UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – An influx of young talent has the vibes high heading into the 2026-27 season for John Carroll Women's Swimming & Diving.
The Blue Streaks have several strengths to build on this season with nine incoming swimmers hoping to help the program take the next step.
"This is our second recruiting class so we feel confident about the number and depth of the incoming student-athletes," said Head Coach Mark de Swardt. "We have leaders emerging on the team showing the young athletes on our team how to improve every day. We want to move up to third at the NCAC Championships and send some swimmers to Nationals. We can take a step forward this season."
The Blue Streaks lost a number of all-conference level swimmers to graduation, but certainly retain plenty of talent. Audrey Sevald is perhaps the top returner. The junior anchors the team's backstroke corps, which might be its strength. A year ago, Sevald competed in three A finals at the NCAC Championships last year and will look to add an NCAC medal to her resume.
Speaking of leadership, Marina Sneyd has stepped up in the offseason. The senior from Michigan will serve as the team captain this year and will usher the team's younger swimmers. Maria Armao, Grace Roberts, and Kyan Snider-Mills are the other seniors on the squad of whom much will be expected.
The junior class will be an important part of the squad, as the group will be expected to make strides. Gabrielle Adamczyk, Jenna Fetsko, Taylor Hudson, Bree Shirkey, and Ella Muzychak will all look to contribute in significant ways.
Relays, as always, will be a focus. Alyssa Galley will look to make big steps as a sophomore and develop into an anchor on relays. Shirkey is another name to watch on the relays this year.
After losing Mairin Dalziel to graduation, sprint freestyle was an event that de Swardt focused on in recruiting. Several incomers will contribute immediately. Names to memorize include Clare Hafner, Maya Goldstein, and Maggie Hull.
For a team that has some inexperience, de Swardt points to important advice instilled in him by the legendary Wally Morton at Cleveland State.
"Be honest and be on time," recalls de Swardt. "It shows respect. We instill that in our athletes and teach our leaders how to leave the place better than when you arrived. As a first year, you don't realize the importance of what seniors did for you and how they molded you. But as you get older, you realize how to be that person for the future of the program."
The schedule begins early on Saturday, October 3 with a non-conference meet with Heidelberg. The Grove City meet is also circled on the calendar early. The Magnus Cup in November is a big indicator, as competing against Division I swimmers is a good prep for the tough meets in January and February, such as the Kenyon dual. The NCAC Championships are set for February 10-13.
