BOWLING GREEN, OHIO– The Bowling Green State University women's swimming and diving team enters year two under head coach Tanner Barton with momentum and confidence. After a season focused on laying a foundation, the Falcons return nearly their entire roster while adding depth and new energy both in the pool and on the boards.

"Year one was about laying the foundation and creating an environment where the ladies support one another and get after it every single day in training and when we're competing. We've established that culture. In year two, we're building on that culture. We're going to continue to build and move forward without having to reset and restart," Barton said.

The Falcons bring back several proven point-scorers alongside a strong freshman class. Barton highlighted Samia Becdach, who trained in Bowling Green over the summer and is expected to contribute across multiple freestyle events. Grace Bodrock, an A finalist in the 200 butterfly last season, will be relied upon in butterfly and freestyle, while Emily McNicol anchors the backstroke and relays. Newcomers include distance specialist Carol Toledo, sprinter Bella Treib, and breaststrokers Corine Rieskamp and Lauren Jablonski, who add immediate depth across multiple events.

On the diving side, Michael Retcher returns nearly his entire group after a historic campaign in which the Falcons scored their highest total at the MAC Championships. "Energy is high. We are bringing back almost everybody from last year, and we brought in two freshmen girls, and they're both very well accomplished divers. We are able to practice together a lot more than we have in the last few seasons," Retcher said.

Leading the divers is NCAA zone qualifier and finalist Natalia Mayorga, the first in program history to advance to tower finals. She is joined by veterans Elise Snyder, a multi-event MAC finalist, and Evie Long, who debuted in finals last year. Claire Warner narrowly missed a B final but returns as one of the team's most consistent performers, while Vicky Miller and two incoming freshmen, Sadie Dempz and Autumn Johnston, round out a unit that continues to raise its ceiling.

Both coaches stressed the importance of confidence and culture as Bowling Green looks to build on its progress in the MAC standings. "The confidence that we built last year is hopefully going to carry us into this season and beyond. So, I want our team not only be excited when racing, but I want our team to be excited and confident going into every single opportunity that we have," Barton said.

With more home meets on the schedule, the Falcons hope to see strong support from the Bowling Green community. "The sport of swimming and diving at the collegiate level is exciting. Anybody who's been in the swimming and diving world has sat in pools for hours and hours in these multi day, really long meets. The one thing that has always stuck with me in a college swim and dive meet is its energy," Retcher said.

Barton echoed the call. "We have a lot more home meets this year, and the meets are going to be fun. For those in the community, come out, support these Falcons in the water, and get excited to see them race and dive each month," he said.