BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPS! Rice Wins Second American Swimming and Diving Championship

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Rice swimming and diving group claimed the 2026 American Conference championship, securing back-to-back league titles for the second time in program historical past.

Head coach Seth Huston, who was named the American Conference Swimming Coach of the Year, credited the group’s perception and consistency all through the season.

“The second American championship tastes pretty sweet,” Huston stated. “I am really proud of our staff and team. They really believed in themselves all year and put together a great team performance start to finish this week.”

The Owls entered the 400 freestyle relay with a 125.5-point result in clinch the championship and completed with a remaining rating of 1,404.5, their highest group complete since becoming a member of the convention. Liberty positioned second with 1,250 factors.

Rice led all through the week and entered the ultimate day with a 148.5-point benefit over Liberty, sustaining management of the group standings from begin to end.

In the 1,650-yard freestyle, Rice swept the rostrum. Ava Portello captured her second particular person title of the meet and earned her second NCAA computerized qualifying time, ending in 16:23.84. Reigning three-time champion Ella Dyson positioned second in 16:25.90, and Ava Hamblett secured bronze in 16:41.94 to finish the sweep.

In the 100 freestyle, Rice earned 25 factors. Lily Archibald positioned fifth in 49.60 seconds, Avery Karacz completed sixth in 49.84 and Lizzie Zadel took 14th in 50.70.

Hamblett returned to the pool within the 200 backstroke and positioned seventh in 1:57.85. Gio Muisello completed tenth in 1:59.38, and Mia Fildissis added factors with a time of two:02.68.

In the 200 breaststroke, three Owls competed within the A remaining. Lily Cramer positioned fourth in 2:13.69, adopted by Bella Zhang in fifth (2:14.25) and Siiri Einio in seventh (2:15.31).

In platform diving, Antonina Harned positioned ninth with a rating of 201.60, adopted by Morgan Robson in tenth with 198.35.

The Owls closed the meet with a fourth-place end within the 400 freestyle relay. Lily Archibald, Ava Portello, Reese Cole and Avery Karacz mixed for a time of three:19.80.

Portello led the Owls with 92 particular person factors, whereas Dyson adopted carefully with 91.5.

The Owls completed the championship with 4 particular person titles and one relay championship, totaling 13 medals general.

 
Awards
Swimming Coach of the Year – Seth Huston

Co-Diving Coach of the Year – Ryan McIntire (ECU) & Sephanie O’Callaghan (UNT)
Most Outstanding Swimmer – Aly Bozzuto (Liberty)
Most Outstanding Diver – Frida Zuniga (ECU)
Most Outstanding Freshman Swimmer – Gwyn Frick (Liberty)
Most Outstanding Freshman Diver – Libby Brewer (Tulane)