GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's women's swimming and diving team has won four Midwest Conference titles in a row, and coach Matt Hedman is hoping to add to that trophy count in 2026. 
 
"We graduated a really solid senior class," said Hedman. "But we also have some great returners and I'm excited to see what they can do. We've had some great training so far and the group is very positive and looking forward to achieving its goals." 
 
Grinnell comfortably won the MWC crown in 2025, piling up 929 points to defeat runner-up St. Norbert College by more than 200. 
 
The Pioneers are picked to defend their league title in 2026. In preseason balloting of league coaches, Grinnell received the maximum eight first-place votes and 64 voting points. St. Norbert was picked second, getting one vote and 55 points, while Lake Forest College was tabbed third with 52 points. 
 
Hedman said winning the league title will be a tougher chore with the addition of Milwaukee School of Engineering to the MWC as an affiliate member. "It'll be thrilling to see what our group can do against the increased competition," said Hedman, whose squad has won 24 of the last 26 MWC crowns. "The addition of MSOE will definitely shake up the standings. But I feel our team is set for the challenge." 
 
Here is a look at the 2025-26 squad:  
  
Sprint Freestyle: 
"We return seniors Sophie Juethner '26 and Ciara Vogler '26, along with junior Samantha Cook '27 and first-year Tory Morse '29" said Hedman. "That group will lead the way for us." Cook was sixth in the 100 free last year at the league meet, Juethner placed fifth in the 50 free and Vogler was fifth in the 100 free and sixth in the 50 free. Cook ranks ninth in program history in the 100 free, while Juethner is seventh in the 50.  
 
Distance Freestyle: 
"We have lots of women's distance freestylers," said Hedman. "It's exciting to watch the training competition and I expect us to score a lot of points at the conference meet." Among that group are Megan Gawlick '28 (second in 1650 free), Josephine Hopkins '28 (sixth in 1650 free), Zeb O'Hara '28, Maya Comer '28 (fifth in 500 free), Cook (second in 500 free and third in the 200) and Nina Lyons '29. Cook is fifth in program history in the 500 free and ninth in the 200, while Gawlick ranks eighth in the 1650. 
  
Backstroke: 
"Sarah Lopez '26 is the defending conference champ in the 100," said Hedman. "She'll be joined by Molly Ryan '27, who had a great conference meet last year (second in the 200 and third in the 100), Vivian Woare '28, Sophie Juethner '29, Olivia Terry '28 and Regan Stambaugh '26. Simone Bennett '29 is looking very strong, too." Lopez ranks second in program history in the 100 back and fifth in the 200, Ryan is third in the 200 and fourth in the 100 and Woare is seventh in the 200. 
 
Breaststroke: 
"Joely Kam '28 is the top returner from last year and will be joined by Tory Morse, Maya Comer and Zoe Kwok '29," said Hedman. "This is definitely a younger group, but there is a lot of energy and excitement in watching their training and seeing them push each other." Kam was second in the 200 breaststroke last year and third in the 100, while ranking fourth in program history int he 200 and eighth in the 100. 
 
Butterfly: 
"Sarah Lopez returns and she'll be chasing an NCAA qualifying spot," said Hedman of the swimmer who holds school records in the 100 (56.46) and 200 (2:04.06) butterfly events. "Vivian Woare will be a great training partner for her. Others adding depth to this area will be Maria Restrepo '29, Sofia Bedoya-Correa '29 and Olivia Terry '28." Lopez won the 200 butterfly at the MWC Championships last year and was second in the 100. Woare placed third in the 200 and ranks seventh in program history in the latter. 
  
Individual Medley: 
Hedman said Lopez may swim this, along with Comer, Woare, Ryan, Kam and Stambaugh. Woare was second in the 400 IM at last year's MWC Championships and Ryan placed seventh in the 200 IM. Woare ranks ninth in program history in the 400 IM, while Lopez is in the program's top 10 for both events. 
  
Diving: 
"Jane Markovitz '26 is back, and I'm already seeing her leadership with the new divers," said Hedman, referring to newcomers Bella Nesbeth '26, Alex Kruse '29 and Evelyn Deutsch '29. "I'm excited to see how the younger divers respond to competing at the collegiate level."