CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has released its 2025-26 Women’s Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Following another strong showing at last year’s championship, Luther College enters the new season as the favorite to repeat, while Nebraska Wesleyan and Loras look to challenge near the top once again.
The 2025-26 season officially kicks off this Saturday, October 11 when Coe, Loras, and Luther dive into the pool.
2025-26 American Rivers Conference
Women’s Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches’ Poll
|
Place
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Team (First-place votes)
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Points
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1.
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Luther (4)
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16
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2.
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Nebraska Wesleyan (1)
|
13
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3.
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Loras
|
10
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4.
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Coe
|
7
|
5.
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Simpson
|
4
|
The Luther College Norse are coming off a first-place finish at the 2025 A-R-C Championships. They return a deep and talented roster led by head coach Aaron Zander, now in his seventh season. Fourteen swimmers and one diver are returning including standout All-Conference returners Hayley Crosland, Kate Denner, Lillian McRoberts, Annabelle Pollock, Mia Prater, Cassie Rounds, Ren Talerico, and Paula Vega. Prater, the defending A-R-C champion in both the 50 and 100 freestyle, also achieved NCAA B-cut times last season. Crosland claimed the 1650 freestyle title, while Rounds and Pollock bring championship-level performances in the butterfly and sprint events.
“We are incredibly excited for the 2025-2026 season! It’s an opportunity for us to elevate from previous seasons and grow stronger as a team,” Zander said. “There’s a lot to be excited for this year!”
After a runner-up team finish in 2025, Nebraska Wesleyan University enters the season under sixth-year head coach Kyle Hunt. The Prairie Wolves are led by All-Conference returners Aubrey Horner, Elena Lazzaretto, Lydi O’Neil, Sydney Leslie, and Bea Massa Micon. With 11 incoming freshmen joining a veteran core, NWU looks poised to challenge for the top spot once again.
“With 11 new freshmen, it’s going to be an exciting year,” Hunt said. “We’re already impressed with the talent and work ethic of this team—it’s been all business mixed in with fun and contagious energy. Go P-Wolves! #MFTA”
Head coach Nick Wyllie enters his seventh season at the helm after guiding the Loras College Duhawks to a third-place finish a year ago. Loras returns six swimmers, including All-Conference performers Maria Eide, Kiley Smith, and Emma Nelson. Eide placed top five in all three individual events at last year’s A-R-C Championships and anchored multiple All-Conference and record-setting relay teams. Despite graduating key senior leaders, the Duhawks expect their combination of experience and new talent to keep them in the hunt.
“Despite graduating a large senior class, this group has found a balance of returning leadership and new members that have come together to create a true team—one that will accomplish great things this year,” Wyllie said.
The Coe College Kohawks, led by head coach Joe Tristan in his third season, return seven swimmers and one diver after finishing fourth at the 2025 A-R-C Championships. Coe boasts five returning All-Conference performers: Liv Feuling, Hollye Gutierrez, Valerie Gutierrez, Natalie Pirozek, and Devyn Nabarrete. Feuling earned a podium finish on the 3-meter board, while Nabarrete was runner-up in the 100 breaststroke. The Gutierrez sisters and Pirozek bring versatility and finals experience across freestyle, butterfly, and backstroke events.
“It’s an exciting year to be a Kohawk, and I’m looking forward to a great 2025-2026 season,” Tristan said.
Under new leadership, Simpson College looks to build momentum with a young but determined roster following a fifth-place finish last season. Three swimmers return, including junior Laura Anthofer, who will anchor the Storm’s efforts in the pool. With a focus on development and team culture, Simpson aims to make strides throughout the year as it retools for future success.
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About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.