MIAMI (Sept. 25, 2019) - The FIU swim and dive team opens the new season on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 4:00 p.m. when the Panthers host Florida at the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Center. 

The meet between the Panthers and the Gators marks as the first time ever the two have gone head-to0head in a dual meet and FIU is excited to welcome the new opponent. 

"We are excited to be opening up the season with Florida in our pool," said Head Coach Randy Horner, "We have a solid team with nine seniors, five of them being the leaders of the team and we are ready for number six." 

Though five-time champions, the Panthers were unsatisfied with last year's performances and this year they come in with a renewed focus; the basics. Emphasizing on the little things that made FIU swim and dive a top program, Horner and the squad is reintroducing a training regimen that is all encompassing. 

"No more cutting corners," said Horner "We are focused on our nutrition, teamwork, supporting other programs and living like a champion on a daily basis. We are getting out of complacency."

SCOUTING THE GATORS
The Florida swim & dive team finished second in the SEC last season with 1,023.5 points, the highest they've scored since 2011. The Gators sent 14 athletes to the NCAA Championships where the team finished 24th with 44 points and collected five combined All-American honors. The Panthers are the first stop for the Gators this season, before making the trip to Miami and FAU this weekend.

2018 IN REVIEW
Led by head coach Randy Horner, the FIU swimming and diving team forever etched its name into the FIU history books in 2018-19 as they won their fifth-straight C-USA title in dominating fashion after posting a 935-point effort at the league event. FIU closed out the impressive season by placing third at the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) National Invitational Championship.The Panthers recorded an 8-3 record overall on the season, winning six of their dual-meets and two invitationals. Maha Gouda also broke numerous school records in her rookie season, becoming FIU's first ever Freshman All-American. She swept three gold medals at the conference tournament and was named C-USA Diver of the Meet, before earning the C-USA Diver of the Year Award as well. Naomi Ruele captured her fourth-straight gold medal in the 100 Free and set a meet record with her time of 48.45. Ruele capped her Panther career with a fourth and final run at the NCAA tournament where she broke the school record in the 100 back with a swim of 52.42.

NEXT UP 
FIU will take on cross-town foe Miami on Saturday Sept. 28 at 10:00 a.m. The Panthers will also partake in a conference ring ceremony which will take place prior to the meet at 9:30 a.m. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following on Twitter (@FIUSwimDiver), Facebook (@FIUSwimmingandDiving) and on Instagram (@FIU_Swim_Dive). General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram