MIAMI (Sept. 30, 2022) – FIU Swimming and Diving kicks off it 2022-23 season against cross-town rival University of Miami in a dual-meet, Saturday morning, at the Whitten Center Pool.
 
The Panthers are coming off an eighth-straight C-USA championship and entering a new era as members of the American Athletic Conference.
 
"We achieved so much in our time in Conference USA," said Head Coach Randy Horner. "We are now ready for this new challenge in The American and Miami is a great team to test ourselves and see where we are as a program."
 
FIU and the Hurricanes have a long history with each other, with the Panthers holding a 6-4 record in the last 10 meets under Coach Horner. Recently the Gold & Blue have won three of the last four meetings, including a 159.5- 137.5 victory the last time they visited Coral Gables.
 
"It is always great to open a season against a rival especially one the caliber of UM," added Coach Horner. "This rivalry always brings out the best in each of us which makes it a great barometer for us as we get a new season going."
 
Last season's dual-meet saw FIU win seven events in all. In her Panther's debut, sophomore Christie Chue won the 200 breaststroke and took second 200 freestyle against UM, setting pace for an impactful freshman season.
 
Miami sports one of the top dive programs and two-time Olympian Maha Gouda is back to lead the Panther's dive team. She finished in the top three in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dives in last year's meet.
 
"We have a strong returning core of vets," said Coach Horner. "It is great to have so many athletes with championship experience on our roster. A solid foundation like this can be the cornerstone of another great team."
 
FIU is also excited to see its newest class of recruits and transfers for the first time in a competition setting. After graduating a great senior class and with some preseason injuries, the Panthers fresh faces will be looked to contribute early in the season.
 
"We are very excited about all of our newcomers," added Coach Horner. "We think that they have the ability to make an instant impact for our program and we are also looking forward to seeing some of our vets take on new roles."
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers are back in action next week when they host the TYR Fall Classic. This marquee meet will be held on Friday, October 7 starting at 5 p.m. ET and Saturday October 8 starting at 10 a.m. ET at the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Center.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.