Swim and Dive Set to Open 2025-26 Season with Eastern Classic

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University swim and dive groups are set to open the 2025-26 season internet hosting Illinois State University and the University of Toledo for the Eastern Classic Friday-Saturday, Oct. 10-11, at Jones Natatorium.

Friday’s portion of the meet will start at 4 p.m., whereas Saturday will probably be break up into a number of periods, starting at 10 a.m.

Fans can keep tuned to EMUEagles.com for a post-meet recap with full outcomes connected. Also, keep tuned to the group’s social media accounts on Instagram, X, and Facebook for stay in-meet content material.

ENTERING YEAR SEVEN UNDER PERKINS

The program is getting into its seventh yr underneath Head Swimming Coach Derek Perkins. Overall, Perkins holds a 16-21 file, and 11-11 mark in Mid-American Conference (MAC) competitors. The program has seen 82 Academic All-MAC picks and 4 College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-America groups.

THE SEASON AHEAD

Eastern is about to compete in eight common season meets in 2025-26, culminating within the MAC Championships, hosted by the University of Akron, at Ocasek Natatorium in Akron, Ohio, Feb. 25-28.

RETURNERS/NEWCOMERS

This yr’s Eagles group returns 18 athletes from the 2024-25 squad, and welcomes eight newcomers to the group, together with junior switch Marnie Howard (Bloomington, Ill./Normal Community West), and freshmen Addison Burrough (Fort Wayne, Ind./Caroll HS), Abbey Clarke (Caledon, Ont./Robert F. Hall), Marianna Fardella (Serres, Greece/40 Geniko Lykeio Serron), Amelia Jones (Lexington, Ky. Paul Laurence Dunbar), Maize Moustgaard (Ottawa, Ont./St. Mark), Shayne Patrick (Reno, Nev./TMCC), Nicole Shanks (Ocala, Fla./West Port),

DIVING LEADER

On the boards, the Eastern squad is led by sophomore Megan Lupa (Campden, Ontario/West Niagara Secondary), who certified for the NCAA Championships within the platform dive, together with incomes MAC Freshman Diver of the Year.

SWIMMING LEADERS

In the pool, the Eagles return junior Tristen Mina (Santa Clara, Calif./The King’s Academy), who swam the No. 5 program time within the 100 butterfly (54.59), together with main within the particular person medley. Junior Nina Larosa (Bay Village, Ohio/Bay), leads the group within the breaststroke, enhancing her program prime 10 100y breaststroke time from No. 8 to No. 7 (1:02.62). Juniors Marlee Christie (Seminole, Fla./Seminole), and Emma Littrell (Taylor Mill, Ky./St. Henry District), lead within the dash free class, whereas sophomore Nehir Oz (Istanbul, Turkey/Cevre), leads in distance. Juniors Siporah Sang (London, Ont./Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School), and Azra Umut (Istanbul, Turkey/Fenerbahce School), lead within the backstroke occasions.

CAPTAINS

This yr’s squad is led by 4 captains. The three swim captains embrace Kudo, Sang, and junior Lucy Noble (Flagler Beach, Fla./Flagler Palm Coast), whereas the divers are led by senior Cate Migliori (Stockton, Calif./San Joquin Delta College).

MAC COACHES PRESEASON POLL

The Eagles’ group was picked to complete sixth within the MAC standings for the upcoming 2025-26 marketing campaign.

UP NEXT

Next, the Eagles open MAC competitors internet hosting The University of Akron Friday, Oct. 31, 4 p.m.

FOLLOW US

For the newest in EMU swimming & diving, keep tuned to EMUEagles.com, and comply with the group’s social media accounts on Instagram, X, and Facebook.