NAU Swimming and Diving Proclaims Ten Newcomers to the Fall 2026 Team

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 20, 2026) – Head coaches Andy Johns and Nikki Kelsey have introduced the addition of ten new Lumberjacks to the roster for Fall 2026.

Coach Johns says, “We’re excited about this class of newcomers. They are all very talented and will be relied upon to help us continue being successful. They’re a great group, lots of fun, and we are looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish.”

Avalon Johnson, Izzy Quaker, Katie Saenz, Rebeca Arrechedera, Ava Field, Cody Monajjem, Gabby Esposito, Hannah Rutten, Oliwia Przbylska, and Ivy Haggerty will look to proceed to raise at 7,000 ft because the Lumberjacks defend their Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championship title.

Avalon Johnson | Wheatridge, Colo./North HS

Johnson dived for 3 years at Mile High Dive Club and a two years varsity diver for North High, the place she broke data in 1-meter diving for six and 11 dives. Johnson attended USA diving Zones and USA diving regionals a number of years. She selected NAU due to the gorgeous campus and the mix of athletics and teachers, particularly Biomedical and honors.

Izzy Quaker |Johannesburg, Gauteng/Roedean School (S.A)

Quaker was a diver for twelve-years for Roedean School. She was a four-year South African Junior National Squad member, four-year Junior & Senior SA Nationals with quite a few podium finishes in 2025, and first place end at each u18 Gauteng Schools Championships and South African Schools Championships. She selected NAU due the flexibility to create and help college students who can excel in a number of points of life, together with the superb diving amenities and neighborhood.

Katie Saenz |Chandler, Ariz./Corona Del Sol

Saenz was a four-year varsity diver and two-year captain at Corona Del Sol, the place she holds the report for 1-meter six dive. She was a three-time City of Tempe All-City Award winner, three-time Outstanding Athletic Achievement award winner, and two-time Zone F qualifier. She selected NAU for the unequalled help system from the workers and fellow athletes, making the tradition very distinctive, mixed with the attractive Flagstaff surroundings.

Rebeca Arrechedera | Houston, Texas/Mirabeau B. Lamar

Arrechedera has three-year varsity diving and two-year captain expertise at Mirabeau B. Lamar. She was a 1-meter nationwide and district winner, together with breaking college data and contributing to staff district and regional victories. Additionally, she is two-time Best Diver of the Year. She selected NAU due to the mix of nice coaches, motivation to develop, intriguing applications, and exquisite atmosphere.

Ava Field | DuPont, Wash./Steilacoom

Field accomplished four-years swimming at Steilacoom, breaking data within the 200-yard particular person medley, 100-yard breaststroke, and 100-yard butterfly. Additionally, breaking league meet data within the 200-yard particular person medley, 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard backstroke, and 100-yard breaststroke. Field was a Tacoma Athletic Commission Athlete of the Year, two-time WIAA Athlete of the Week, and 2A State Champion. She selected NAU as a result of she will be able to stability AFROTC, teachers, and athletics.

Cody Monajjem | Fort Collins, Colo./Wellington

Monajjem was a four-year varsity swimmer out of Fort Collins, Colo. the place she swam for Wellington. She received CHSAA 3A in 200-yard her sophomore 12 months and 100-yard backstroke her junior 12 months, whereas additionally breaking each particular person and staff relay data at Wellington Middle-High School. She selected NAU due to the nice campus atmosphere, a motivated and welcoming staff, and educated teaching workers.

Gabby Esposito | San Diego, Calif/San Marcos

Esposito, two-year San Marcos All-American swimmer, out of San Diego, Calif. She received D1 CIF 100-yard backstroke and Winter Junior National in 100-yard backstroke, whereas breaking the report in 4×100-yard freestyle. Her accolades embrace: three-time state qualifier, MVP award recipient, Age Group Championships High Point Winner. She was part of the San Diego Imperial All-Star Team in 2020 and 2021, and the San Diego Imperial Zones Team in 2022. She selected NAU due to the supportive and enjoyable staff environment and nice teaching workers.

Hannah Rutten | Penticton, British Columbia, Canada/Penticton

Rutten was a four-time Provincial Champion swimmer for Penticton. At her college she was a three-time Kisu Swim Club educational honor roll and Fastest Female 5km, the place she holds the report in 5km 1500 freestyle LCM and 800 freestyle SCM.  She was a Canadian Olympic Trials qualifier and junior finalist, Western Canadian Swimming Championships Medalist, and 200-yard Medley Relay BC School Sports Provincial report holder, which she broke three-times. She selected NAU due to the superb staff environment, teaching help, the plentiful athletic and educational sources out there, and alternatives for development athletically and professionally.

Oliwia Przbylska | Sokołów, Podlask/X Liceum Ogólnokształcące Mistrzostwa sportowego w Lublinie

Przbylska is a four-year National multi-medalist in particular person medley and breaststroke (LCM and SCM) swimmer at X Liceum Ogólnokształcące Mistrzostwa sportowego w Lublinie. She had a second place end in 400 particular person medley LCM at Multination Junior Meet in Cyprus. She secured silver in 400 particular person medley SCM at Senior Polish National Championship 2024 and 400 particular person medley LCM at Senior Polish National Championship 2025. She is a seven-time gold medalist in 400 particular person medley, 200 particular person medley, and 200 breaststroke, and four-time gold medalist in 800 relay at National Championships. She selected NAU as a result of she believes it provides the proper situations for each finding out and coaching.

Ivy Haggerty | Kent, England/Dane Court Grammar

Nine-year Thanet Swim Club swimmer, Haggerty, broke the membership report for 200-yard butterfly. She claimed gold in 400-yard particular person medley at 2023 English Nationals, then secured two extra podium finishes in 2025 with gold in 100-yard butterfly and silver in 200-yard freestyle. She selected NAU as a result of she immediately clicked with the teaching workers and staff.