FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A strong showing at the 2026 NCAA Zone E Championships has secured spots for Stanford divers Misha Andriyuk and Gunnar Grubbs at the NCAA Championship, set to capture place at Georgia Tech from March 25-28. The Cardinal divers competed at Northern Arizona University from March 9-11, with Andriyuk and Grubbs delivering standout performances to earn their place on the national stage.
Andriyuk, a sophomore and the 2025 NCAA Zone E platform diving champion, qualified in both the 3-meter springboard and platform events. He finished second in the platform competition with a cumulative score of 747.85 over 12 dives, including a strong finals performance of 398.00. His performance included dives scoring 81.00, demonstrating his technical prowess. This secures his return to the NCAA Championship in the event he won as a freshman. Andriyuk’s consistent performance has established him as a key competitor for the Cardinal.
Grubbs will compete in all three diving events – 1-meter, 3-meter, and platform – after qualifying in each. He secured his spot in the 3-meter finals on Monday night with a score of 373.35, finishing in the top four in multiple rounds. He also finished third on the platform and seventh in 1-meter diving, showcasing his versatility. Grubbs’s success highlights his all-around diving ability.
Andriyuk’s Breakthrough Performance
Andriyuk’s qualification in the 3-meter springboard marks a new milestone in his collegiate career. He placed sixth in the event with a total score of 706.00, highlighted by a final dive – a Forward 4 ½ Somersault Tuck – that earned him a score of 77.90 and propelled him to the NCAA Championship. His ability to perform under pressure was evident throughout the competition. He also broke a Stanford school record in November 2025, scoring 460.25 points in the 10-meter platform event at the Texas Diving Invitational. The Stanford Daily reported that this broke Olympian Kristian Ipsen’s previous record of 452.90.
Grubbs’s Versatility Shines
Grubbs’s qualification across all three events demonstrates his consistent performance, and adaptability. He led the platform prelims with a score of 381.95, a new career best, before finishing third overall. His Back 2 ½ Somersault Pike dive earned him a score of 66.00, securing his position as a top contender. His performance underscores the depth of talent within the Stanford diving program.
Grant Schneider also competed strongly, advancing to the finals in both the 3-meter and platform events, finishing 14th in the 3-meter prelims (328.75) and 10th in the platform prelims (335.80). While he did not qualify for the NCAA Championship, his presence in the finals demonstrates the growing strength of the Stanford diving team.
The Stanford men’s swimming and diving team will now focus on preparing for the NCAA Championship at Georgia Tech, building on the momentum from their successful performance at the Zone E Championships. The team will look to build on the success of Andriyuk and Grubbs as they compete against the nation’s top divers.
The NCAA Championship promises to be a thrilling competition, showcasing the dedication and skill of these Stanford athletes. Fans can follow the team’s progress and results as they compete for national honors.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Stanford men’s swimming and diving team’s performance at the NCAA Championship. Share your thoughts and support in the comments below!
