Swim & Dive Indicators 5 to Recruiting Class

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison swim & dive Head Coach Dane Pedersen introduced a recruiting class of 5 that can be part of the Dukes for the 2026-27 season on Wednesday’s National Signing Day.

“Couldn’t be more excited for the Class of ’26 commitments,” stated Pedersen. “These girls are perfect fits for not only our program but for JMU in general. Each one will make an immediate impact in their specific events. We can’t wait for them to join our JMUSD family in the fall.”

All 5 signees are swimmers hailing from Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Addison Buckman
Events: Fly/Back
Height: 5-6
Hometown/High School: Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley
Accolades: In her junior season, set college data within the 50 Free, 100 Fly, 100 Back and 200 Free Relay, was the PIAA District 3 100 Fly champion and the Mid-Penn Conference 100 Back champion, was named Sentinel Newspaper Swimmer of the Year, earned all-america honors within the 100 Fly, named to the Penn Live First Team… Was the PIAA District 3 100 Fly champion in her sophomore 12 months, in addition to a Mid-Penn Conference medalist and an all-american within the 200 Medley Relay. Was named first group for Penn Live and Sentinel. Set college data within the 100 Fly, 200 Medley Relay and 200 Free Relay… Began highschool profession by being a medalist at each Mid-Penn Conference and PIAA District 3, was a PIAA state qualifier and a Sentinel First Team choice… Swam membership with Cumberland Valley Aquatic Club… A member of the consideration roll and the National Honor Society.

Sarah Hurley
Events: IM/Fly
Height: 5-8
Hometown/High School: Excelsior, Minn./Minnetonka
Accolades: Three-time all-conference choice and was named all-state in her junior 12 months… Swam membership with the Aquajets Swim Team… Was an AP Scholar with Distinction and on the consideration roll.

Ellie Mierenfeld
Events: Free/Back
Height: 5-9
Hometown/High School: Midlothian, Va./Midlothian
Accolades: During present season, she is a USA Swimming Junior National qualifier… In her junior 12 months, earned VHSL Class 5 All-State Third Team and VHSL Class 5 Region C All-Region Second Team honors. Was a Winter Junior National qualifier and an All-Chesterfield County honorable point out… Named to the VHSL Class 5 Region C All-Region Third Team in sophomore season.

Sevanah Oravets
Events: Free/Breast
Height: 5-7
Hometown/High School: Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional
Accolades: Ocean County and Show Conference champion in each the 200 Free and 500 Free remaining three years of highschool… Added an Ocean County and Shore Conference 500 Free gold medal and 200 Free county gold medal in freshman season… Was a YMCA National qualifier all 4 years in highschool together with her membership… USA Swimming All-American Scholar for the 200 Breast in her senior season… Was a member of the consideration roll, French Honors Society and Art Honors Society… Mother Mary is a four-year letterwinner at McDaniel College and is the file holder within the 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free and 500 Free.

Ava Simpson
Events: Free/Fly/Back
Height: 5-8
Hometown/High School: Concord, N.C./Concord Academy
Accolades: Three-time medalist at NC Senior Long Course State Championships, two-time Futures Championship finalist, six-time Futures Championship qualifier and chosen to the NC Carolina Crown Team her junior season… Was a four-time Futures Championship qualifier her sophomore season… Seven-time medalist at Southern Zones Age Group Championship and a three-time medalist on the ESSZ AG Sectional Championship her freshman 12 months… Swam membership with Sailfish Aquatics… A member of the National Honors Society and honor roll.