Grand Rapids, Mich. — The excitement surrounding the 2025–26 Aquinas College men's and women's swim & dive teams is real. With a fresh infusion of talent and strong leadership returning, the Saints are showing signs of being deeper, more competitive, and hungrier than ever. Under Head Coach Kristy Hepp, Aquinas is positioning itself not just to compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) but to make waves across the NAIA — pushing against top-level rivals while building consistency, culture, and confidence in the process.
Men's Swim Team Highlights
The Aquinas men turned heads at the Davenport Invitational, finishing third overall and, for the first time in program history, defeating Davenport's men's team. Freshman William Sneller stamped his mark by breaking two school records in the 500 freestyle (4:52.44) and 1000 freestyle (10:13.17). Senior captain Luke Martin came through with a national provisional time in the 100 breaststroke (58.49), placing fourth overall. Junior captain Titus Smith led off the 400 freestyle relay with a 100 free split of 47.72, also earning a national provisional time.
Veterans Lucas Eussen and first year international student Stan Tibben pushed the pace in the 400 IM and 200 butterfly, both registering some of their best times ever and slotting into the top four all-time in Aquinas history. The team's depth was a difference-maker, as both the A and B men's relays delivered clutch points that ultimately secured the victory over Davenport and cemented AQ's third-place team finish.
Women's Swim Team Highlights
The Aquinas women impressed throughout the weekend, finishing third overall out of five teams and defeating fellow NAIA competitor St. Ambrose. Freshman Hannah Brown delivered the standout performance of the meet, winning the 50 freestyle (24.43) with a national provisional time that ranks 4th nationally, and breaking the school record in the 100 freestyle (53.75), where she placed third. Freshman Elena Cavadas came within a second of the program's breaststroke records with lifetime bests in both the 100 and 200. Sophomore Emersyn Joslin posted national-provisional times in the 200 backstroke (2:08.17, 4th nationally) and the 100 backstroke (7th nationally).
Adriana Waller recorded the third-fastest 200 butterfly in school history (2:16.68), ranking 7th nationally, while Chloe Boivin, Addie Osborne, and Amelia Edens each added provisional times in sprint and mid-distance events. The trio of Brown, Edens, and Joslin emerged as the team's top scorers in a deep and balanced performance that set a strong tone for the season ahead.
Program Milestones & Final Scores
The Saints delivered memorable moments throughout the two-day invitational — highlighted by multiple school records, national-standard swims, and a historic team finish. Both AQ squads finished third overall, marking a statement start to the 2025–26 campaign.
Final Team Scores
Men's Team Standings:
- Wayne State – 1,048 pts
- St. Ambrose – 788 pts
- Aquinas College – 510.5 pts
- Davenport – 445.5 pts
- Lake Superior State – 191 pts
Women's Team Standings:
- Wayne State – 1,020.5 pts
- Davenport – 641 pts
- Aquinas College – 606 pts
- St. Ambrose – 540.5 pts
- Lake Superior State – 69 pts
Coach's Comments
Following the first meet of the season, Head Coach Kristy Hepp reflected on her team's performance and potential:
"I couldn't have asked for a better start to our competitive season. It's never the expectation that we break records, post national times, or defeat other teams — those things are byproducts of the small, daily work done right in training. What truly stood out was our chemistry and depth; it's the best I've seen, and it elevated us to heights we haven't touched before. With both A and B relays scoring, our women taking down St. Ambrose, and our men earning that historic win over Davenport, the promise is real. We're just getting started. Celebrate the weekend, but remember — the work has only just begun."
Up Next
The swimmers will begin a period of preparation and training, the Saints divers will head to Wayne State on Saturday, October 18, for their first competition of the season. Stay tuned to AQSaints.com for full coverage, results, and recaps as Aquinas continues to make waves throughout the 2025–26 campaign.
