MIAMI – The FIU swimming and diving program begins the 2024-25 campaign this Wednesday, Sept. 25 for a crosstown dual-meet against the Miami Hurricanes in Coral Gables.
 
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Miami

• Time / Site: 3:30 p.m. at Whitten Center Pool
• Meet Mobile & DiveMeets.com (available on Apple and Google Play) & live updates on X

The Panthers enter the 2024-25 season as the reigning champions of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), marking the program's first-ever AAC title.
 
Under the leadership of head coach Randy Horner, now in his 16th season, the FIU swimming and diving program has captured nine conference titles during his tenure. Last season, the team continued to excel, highlighted by swimmer Christie Chue and diver Paige Burrell advancing to the NCAA Championships, marking the Panthers' 13th consecutive appearance—an achievement that stands as the longest active streak among mid-major programs. Adding to the team's success, swimmers Oumy Diop and Nicole Frank represented their respective countries in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
 
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, the Panthers are bolstered by the return of 18 letterwinners and the addition of eight newcomers. Graduate students Delaney Biro and Ellie Maradyn are back for their fifth year at FIU, while Minnesota transfer Av Osero strengthens the diving squad. Seniors Jordan Browning, Anelis Roque, and Jessica Shpilko also return, bringing seasoned experience to the roster.
 
The junior class stands out as a formidable force, with athletes such as Nicole Frank and Oumy Diop already making their mark by medaling at the AAC Championships. Frank earned four medals, including two golds, with a standout performance in the 400 IM. Emma Becker and Ingrid Huszar also continue to be key contributors to FIU's dominance in breaststroke events.
 
Sophomore standout Diana Santamaria, who earned five medals as a sprinter last season, returns alongside Sophie Kiryk, a pivotal figure in FIU's distance roster.
 
FIU's freshman class includes five new athletes, with four swimmers. Swedish talent Sally Olsson adds depth to the breaststroke events, while Frida Strete Lobersii excels across multiple events. Sprinters Claudia Frasca and Tawnnah McLemore are also set to make their mark.
 
On the diving side, head coach Josh Larcom enters his third season with a youthful and talented squad. Graduate student Av Osero leads the divers, accompanied by junior Ruska Lehtonen from Finland. Sophomores Kristina Keenan and Sydney Soto look to build upon promising freshman campaigns, joined by Canadian freshman Brooke Megdall.
 
WE'RE INTERNATIONAL, SO INTERNATIONAL
 FIU's roster embodies its international identity, featuring swimmers and divers from 15 different countries.
 
That includes Australia, Brazil, Canada, Faroe Islands, France, Finland, Kenya, Israel, Italy, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Uruguay, and USA
 
SCOUTING THE HURRICANES
Miami begins their 2024-25 season with a matchup against FIU, following a showing at the ACC Championships last season where they placed 12th. Senior standout Giulia Carvalho will lead the Hurricanes in the butterfly events, entering the season as an honorable mention All-American. Carvalho set a program record in the 100-fly last season, further establishing herself as one of the top competitors in the conference.
 
This meet will mark the 13th meeting between Miami and FIU, with the Hurricanes winning the last three matchups. In their most recent contest, Miami secured a decisive 167.5-107.5 victory over FIU on Sept. 27, 2023, in Miami.

UP NEXT
The Panthers open the home slate beginning Friday, Oct. 4 in the TYR Fall Classic at 4 p.m. and wraps up on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. from the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Center.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following on Twitter (@FIUSwimDive), Facebook @FIUSwimmingandDiving) and on Instagram (@FIUSwimDive). General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.