MIAMI (Oct. 1, 2021) – The FIU women's swimming and diving team is set to begin its quest for an eighth consecutive Conference USA title on Saturday, Oct. 2, when the Panthers host the Miami Hurricanes at the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Center for FIU's first meet of the season.

The contest is set to get underway beginning at 11 a.m. ET.

"We're excited to get the season started," said Head Coach Randy Horner. "To actually have a full season after what we had last year is a big motivation for our team and the coaching staff. We've had some really good Saturday practices and timings with the team. Miami is a very good program and this is a rivalry for us so it always brings out the best in both teams."

FIU enters the meet owning a 6-3 all-time record in the crosstown series, with the Panthers winning the last three dual meets over the rival Hurricanes, and four of the last five. The Blue & Gold defeated UMiami by a tally of 159.5-137.5 in their last meeting on Jan. 22, 2021.

With the FIU's last season shortened due to the global pandemic, the Panthers are looking forward to returning to a sense of normalcy and have been taking advantage of the opportunity to train and compete without restrictions.

"Last year we took a long time to get into shape and get into our schedule," said senior swimmer Stephanie Hussey. "This year we have a full schedule and are doing everything we need to do to prepare. We are training 20 hours a week and leaving it all in the pool."

FIU is returning a total of 26 Panthers from last year's roster, including 21 athletes with at least two years of experience, and 11 with at least three years.

The Blue & Gold was able to bring back four Panthers whose eligibility clocks were set to expire, thanks to the extra year of eligibility that the NCAA granted due to the global pandemic. Swimmers Hussey, Julia Miranda, Sara Gyertyanffy, and Victoria Cantu will all run it back with FIU while pursuing graduate degrees.

"The group we have this year and the team we have is unique due to the additional year of eligibility from COVID," said Horner. "As a coaching staff we feel very honored that the ladies who came back wanted another opportunity and another year in the sport, especially after the challenging year we had last season. Those who took that opportunity are leading the team, along with the ladies that were going to be seniors already this year."

Swimmer Kelsie Campbell also opted to return for a fifth season while pursuing her graduate degree, though the Panther is still considered a redshirt junior and is eligible to return in 2022-23 for a sixth season.

"It's pretty powerful and I think it can be an amazing asset for us this year," said Horner.

While FIU has enjoyed great success in the past, the Panthers are remaining hungry and will not rest on their laurels in the upcoming campaign. Coach Horner praised Hussey, who has been a standout in the past, after the Panther set personal-best marks during the preseason.

"No matter what has happened in the past and what we accomplished last year, we all want to move past that and continue to push our boundaries," said Hussey. "We want to prove to ourselves that there's so much more we can do, not only for the team but as individuals."

FIU will also sport two Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games participants on this year's roster, as diver Maha Gouda and swimmer Elinah Phillip are set to return.

The Blue & Gold will also welcome three third-year transfers in diver Raquel Mason, and swimmers Allyson Accordino and Mia Zahab.

True freshmen Christie Chue, Jordan Browning, Iliana Ravelo, and Anelis Roque are also expected to make an immediate impact.

"We like what we see, but it's early," said Coach Horner. "The goal is still the end of the season and the C-USA Championship."

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