LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Wesleyan women's swimming team looks to build on last year's momentum as the Prairie Wolves dive into the 2025-26 season. NWU finished 4-1 in duals last year and placed second at the American Rivers Conference Championships with 562 points, highlighted by individual A-R-C titles from Elena Lazzaretto (400 IM) and Beatrice Massa Micon (200 free).
Lazzaretto, a senior, returns as one of the league's top swimmers and owns school records in the 100, 200, and 400 IM. Massa Micon had a breakout freshman campaign, winning her conference title and setting a school record in the 200 free. Key returners also include Lydi O'Neil, Lizzie Meyer, and Wesley Hill.
Head Coach Kyle Hunt enters his seventh season with high expectations. "This is the deepest team we've had in my time here," Hunt said. "A very versatile group of swimmers gives us a lot of options for the A-R-C Championships."
The Prairie Wolves welcome assistant coach Dannie Dilsaver, a former standout swimmer, along with freshmen Ryleigh Schroeder, Hayley Nebola, and Sophia Daigle, who are expected to make an immediate impact.
In the A-R-C Preseason Coaches Poll, NWU was picked second behind Luther:
- Luther – 16 (4)
- Nebraska Wesleyan – 13 (1)
- Loras – 10
- Coe – 7
- Simpson – 4
NWU opens the season Oct. 18 at Simpson before a challenging slate that includes the UNK Invite and a mid-season taper meet at the University of Chicago.
