Florida Atlantic University men’s and women’s swimming and diving will open the 2026-27 season Friday, Sept. 18, with a 2 p.m. dual meet against Indian River in Ft. Pierce, Fla. The Owls are returning to competition after a historic 2025-26 season.
Florida Atlantic won both sides of last season’s opener against Indian River. The men’s team won 186-113, while the women’s team prevailed 223-77.
“We are super excited for the beginning of the season, and for the season as a whole. Last year really lit a fire in us more than ever. Both the men and women are absolutely thrilled to be back and can’t wait to shine,” Coach Preacco said.
Florida Atlantic enters after historic season
Florida Atlantic’s men’s team won the first conference championship in program history last season, capturing the ASUN Swimming & Diving conference championship with 15 medals, including nine gold. Daniel Laureyssens became the first Florida Atlantic men’s swimmer since 2006 to qualify for the NCAA Championship meet. He competed in the 50 and 200 freestyle events and was named the ASUN Most Outstanding Swimmer.
Rocco Simonelli was named the ASUN Most Outstanding Diver for the second consecutive year. Florida Atlantic’s swimming and diving teams also broke 18 school records during the season.
The women’s team recorded its best team finish at the championships since joining the American Conference. Megan Drover-Smith became Florida Atlantic’s first conference champion in the American Conference by winning the 200 backstroke in a school-record time of 1:55.24.
Nula Gow won silver in the 200 breaststroke and broke the program record. Ella Freeman and Maja Piotrowicz finished their Florida Atlantic careers with bronze medals.
Five first-time captains lead 2026-27 teams
Florida Atlantic has five first-time captains for the 2026-27 season. Graduate student Amelia Robertson, senior Nula Gow and junior diver Augusta Ness will lead the women’s team, while juniors Jayden Repak and Leyton Roe represent the men’s team.
Robertson is the longest-tenured Owl among the five captains. Roe and Florida Atlantic Associate Head Coach Ryan Bubb represented Team USA at the 2026 FISU America Games in Lima, Peru, where Roe competed as an athlete and Bubb served as an assistant coach.
Source: Original report