DUBUQUE, Iowa – Coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Loras College men's and women's swimming and diving teams enter the 2026-27 campaign with high expectations and a talented group of returning athletes looking to build on last year's accomplishments.

"We are coming off of one of the most accomplished seasons yet with multiple team records broken, all-time top 5 swims in school history, multiple all-conference, and the rookie of the year," said head coach Nick Wyllie. "So, this team is happy but now that they have gotten a taste of such success we have leveled up our goals to the next level and are chasing some even bigger goals this year. We are focused on those goals and it has been showing in the focus of training so far."

The Loras men's team returns several key contributors from last season, highlighted by All-Conference performer Hudson Otis and reigning American Rivers Conference Rookie of the Year Owen Leitzen.

Otis returns after earning All-Conference recognition and helping establish a school record in the 400-yard freestyle relay. His experience and success at the conference level will provide a strong foundation for the Duhawks as they look to continue improving their relay performances.

Leitzen enters his second season following an impressive freshman campaign that saw him capture the conference championship in the 100-yard freestyle while establishing A-R-C records in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events. He also achieved NCAA Division III "B" cut qualifying standards in both events, narrowly missing an invitation to the NCAA Championships by just two-tenths of a second in each race. Leitzen will look to build on his early success and make a push toward the national stage.

In diving, Hunter Welbes returns after placing fourth in the one-meter competition at last season's A-R-C Championships. His return provides the Duhawks with valuable experience on the boards as he looks to climb the conference standings.

Loras also welcomes newcomer Duncan Freund, who arrives following a successful high school career. Freund finished among the top 16 competitors in both the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke at the Iowa High School Boys State Championships. His versatility and experience competing at the state level should provide additional depth for the Duhawks.

On the women's side, Loras brings back an experienced group led by three-time All-Conference performer Maria Edie, who enters her fourth season with the program.

Edie has established herself as one of the team's most consistent performers, earning All-Conference recognition in each of her first three seasons. She also helped set the current school record in the 400-yard freestyle relay alongside returning teammate Kiley Smith. With both swimmers back in the lineup, the Duhawks will look to build on their record-setting relay success.

Kenzie Tomkins also returns after a strong first season with the program. Tomkins advanced to the finals in all three of her individual events at last year's A-R-C Championships, establishing herself as a valuable contributor in conference competition. Her continued development will be important as Loras looks to improve its standing at the championship meet.

The Duhawks will also welcome freshmen Elaina Tucker and Julia Braa to the roster. Both newcomers arrive with competitive times that put them in position to challenge for scoring opportunities at the A-R-C Championships. Their additions will provide increased depth and competition throughout the women's lineup.
Both squads will begin their season on Oct. 24, when they host Coe College at 1 p.m. After that, the Duhawks travel to Fort Dodge, Iowa to compete against Iowa Central CC and Iowa Lakes CC before returning home on Nov. 14 to host Lawrence University.