IOWA CITY, Iowa – Teh Illinois women’s swimming and diving team delivered a dominant opening day at the Hawkeye Invitational on Wednesday, establishing five new top-ten program records. The Fighting Illini showcased significant gains across multiple events, signaling a strong start to the two-day competition.
The team’s performance underscores Illinois’ continued ascent in the big Ten Conference and highlights the dedication of it’s athletes and coaching staff. These new benchmarks not only elevate individual swimmer achievements but also contribute to the overall competitive strength of the program as it pursues further success this season and beyond. The Hawkeye Invitational serves as a crucial mid-season test, preparing the team for the challenges of the upcoming championship meets.
Isabella Wilhelm led the charge, achieving a program-best time of 1:39.60 in the 200 butterfly. The Illini also excelled in the 800 freestyle relay, with Sara Jass, Chloe Diner, Hailey Vlcek, and Eva Allan combining for a time of 7:16.36, securing a fifth-place finish and a new program record.
Individual bests were also set by Sophia Paduano in the 50 backstroke (25.11), Michelle Kaner in the 50 backstroke (25.57),and Sophia Szymanski in the 50 backstroke (26.34). Sara Jass also recorded a personal best in the 200 freestyle (1:49.16), while Kalina Nikolaeva achieved a personal best in the 200 backstroke (1:58.60).
Competition resumes thursday, November 19, with prelims beginning at 10 a.m.CT for swimming and 11:30 a.m. CT for diving. The final session of the day is scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. CT.
