INDIANAPOLIS – The 2026 NCAA Division III Swimming & Diving National Championships kicked off today, with the Trinity University men's and women's individuals opening competition with solid performances on the national stage.
For the men, sophomore
Luke Fender (Jackson, Miss. / St. Andrew's Episcopal) started off swimmingly in the 500 freestyle, making the A final in fourth place with a time of 4:25.90 – only about two seconds from his lifetime best. In finals, Fender had a slight add but still came home with a 7th place trophy after an incredible last 50 that earned him this placement. That finish also makes Fender a First Team All-American in the 500 free after earning Second Team honors in last year's event.
Senior women's team captain
Neely Burns (Phoenix, Ariz. / Thunderbird) advanced to finals in the 200 IM, finishing 15th overall for Second Team All-America honors. She posted a 2:04.43 in prelims before returning in the evening session and improving her time to 2:04.03, closing out her final 200 IM swim with a strong performance.
First-year
Kaya Alvegaard-Struble (Kansas City, Mo. / Pembroke Hill) made her nationals debut in the 200 IM, placing 54th in prelims with a time of 2:09.65. While slightly off her best time, she gained valuable experience competing at the national level in her first appearance. First-year
Ava Easley (Allen, Texas / Lovejoy) also made her nationals debut in the 50 freestyle, touching the wall in 24.43, just off her best time. She placed 62nd overall in a highly competitive field.
The women's 400 medley relay, consisting of Easley, juniors
Amy Benson (Newmarket, N.H. / Phillips Exeter Academy) and
Julia Carter (Dripping Springs, Texas / Dripping Springs), and Burns, was unfortunately disqualified during this morning's prelims.
In the men's prelims, first-year
Jack Hester (Round Rock, Texas / Cedar Ridge) swam the 50 free, touching at a 20.70 and beating out many competitors seeded ahead of him. Though he didn't make finals, it was a strong prelims swim in his nationals debut.
Up Next
Fender and Alvegaard-Struble will compete in the 200 free tomorrow, while Burns will have her shot at the 400 IM. The 200 free relay team of Benson, Alvegaard-Struble, Easley, and Carter will also be racing in the morning prelims. All are aiming for a spot in the evening session and a chance for more All-American awards.
