Defending Champion Men’s Swimming & Diving Tabbed First, Ladies Picked Fourth in America East Preseason Poll

BOSTON — The defending America East champion UMBC Men’s Swimming & Diving program was tabbed because the preseason favourite in a ballot launched by the Conference on Wednesday. The Retrievers obtained the utmost 4 doable first place votes as coaches weren’t permitted to vote for their very own staff. 

The Retrievers will kick-off their season on Saturday afternoon once they host their annual Black & Gold/Alumni Meet at 1 p.m.

In February, the Dawgs accomplished a dominating 4 days by profitable the America East Swimming & Diving Championship with 805.5, 57.5 factors forward of two-time defending champions Binghamton. The title was Retrievers fifteenth in 20 seasons of America East competitors, and first since 2023. The two 12 months drought was UMBC’s longest with no title since becoming a member of the Conference in 2004.

Braden Weise gained two extra gold medals and was named the meet’s Most Outstanding Rookie, whereas the teaching workers led by Matt Donovan was named the Most Outstanding Coaching Staff. 

On the Women’s aspect, UMBC was picked fourth with 13 factors. At the 2026 Championships, UMBC completed fourth with 446 factors.  Ashley Gutshall punched her ticket to the NCAA Championships in 50 Meter and Ember Stennett earned the fifth medal of her illustrious profession final season. 
Gutshall set a UMBC/America East/Meet file with a time of twenty-two.25 in profitable gold within the 50, with Erma Duratovic taking bronze in 23.14. The two would then staff up with Claire Oettinger and Evie Grim to earn bronze within the 200 Free Relay in a time of 1:32.82. 

Men’s #AESD Preseason Poll
1. UMBC 16 (4)
2. Binghamton 13 (1)
3. Bryant 10
4. NJIT 7
5. Maine 4

Women’s #AESD Preseason Poll
1. New Hampshire 22 (2)
2. Bryant 21 (3)
3. Vermont 18 (1)
4. UMBC 13
5. Binghamton 9
6. Maine 7