2025 Season Preview: Swimming – Heidelberg University

TIFFIN, Ohio – The Heidelberg University Swim workforce is able to dive into the 2025-26 season, marking its third season as a varsity program. 

Under the management of Head Coach Ben Rath and Assistant Coach Brooke Dobrzanski, this system has continued its regular development in efficiency since its 2022 debut. This season, the Student Princes showcase a younger and keen roster: 13 freshman, 9 sophomores, and 5 juniors. 

THE COACHES

Head Coach Ben Rath returns for his third season on the helm, bringing a powerful basis of expertise and a transparent imaginative and prescient for this system’s future development. Before coming to Heidelberg, Rath efficiently launched the swim program at Bluffton University and beforehand served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of Findlay. During his time as an athlete, Rath was a five-time convention champion and the 2017 Great Midwest Conference Athlete of the Year, and nonetheless holds three convention information.

Assistant Coach Brooke Dobrzanski returns for her third season alongside Rath. In 2024–25, she helped lead the ladies’s workforce to their first-ever win over Hiram, a sixth-place end on the OAC Championships, and Scholar All-America Team honors. The earlier season, she contributed to Heidelberg’s first victory over Bluffton and helped information Elli Mayer to All-OAC recognition.

A Monroe, Mich. native, Dobrzanski swam for 4 years at Notre Dame College, graduating in 2023. She earned 13 All-MEC honors, together with First Team recognition within the 200 freestyle relay. Her teaching background consists of center college teaching and instructing on the University of Florida’s Swim Camp.

THE ROSTER

Heidelberg University welcomes 13 new swimmers to the workforce for the upcoming season, together with 10 ladies and three males who will contribute to this system’s continued success.

Returning sophomores embrace Delaney Buxton, Lily Clark, Virginia Dabrunz, Haley Damron, Riley Mullin, Maria Sweatt, Casey Daniel, Evan Eaglin, and Lance Koch.

With a powerful core of juniors and no seniors on the roster, Heidelberg’s swimming program is concentrated on constructing momentum with a younger and creating squad. Leading the way in which are juniors Cassy Connare, Elli Mayer, Nora Uhl, Zach MacDonald, and Conor Trotter — all of whom have been with this system since its starting.

“As we enter the third season in Heidelberg University Swimming history, the excitement and momentum surrounding our program have never been higher. Each year, we continue to grow — not only in numbers, but in competitiveness, culture, and commitment to excellence,” mentioned Rath. “Our student-athletes have embraced the challenge of building a young program from the ground up, and their dedication is laying the foundation for long-term success. With strong leadership from our returners and the enthusiasm of our incoming class, this season promises to be a defining step forward for Heidelberg Swimming.”

THE SCHEDULE

The Student Princes open up their 2025-24 season on Friday Oct. 17 at Ohio Wesleyan University, desirous to get again within the water for competitors. Their dwelling opener will happen on Oct. 25 on the YMCA in Tiffin. The OAC Championships shall be hosted on the University of Akron on Feb. 18-21.

“We look forward to representing the university with pride and continuing to set the standard for what this program can achieve,” mentioned Rath.

FOLLOW

Follow the Swim workforce social media to remain updated with their newest enjoyable and achievements!

Instagram: @bergswimming 

Facebook: Heidelberg University Swimming