BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Lynn University women's swimming team raised the bar once again last season with a record-setting campaign, and the 2025-26 Fighting Knights look poised to continue their climb on the national stage.

The Lynn women capped the 2024-25 NCAA Championships with eight All-Americans, two National Titles, and the program's first-ever CSCAA Swimmer of the Year in graduate Luna Mertins, finishing an impressive fifth in the nation.

Over the last four seasons, head coach Niki Alvarez and assistant coach Mike Greisl have transformed the women's program into a national contender. This year's squad returns a strong core led by senior Malaika Schneider and sophomores Mariele De Santis, Lydia Douthit, Luz Tapia, and Ally Webster, among others.

"We have some really great leadership on the women's side," said Alvarez. "The returners know what it takes to compete at the national level, and they've done a great job of setting that standard for our newcomers. Even in early meets, we've seen swims close to personal bests, which is amazing this early in the year."

For the first time in program history, the Fighting Knights placed five student-athletes on the All-Sunshine State Conference Teams last season, including De Santis, Tapia, and Dekoninck on the Second Team and Lundell on the Third Team.

"Ally and Mariele both swim the Individual Medleys, Luz is one of the strongest freestylers we've had, and Lydia continues to impress in the butterfly events," Alvarez added. "This group gives us so much flexibility to move people around and stay competitive across every discipline."

Beyond the pool, the women have continued to strengthen their bond through team breakfasts, pumpkin carving, and other events aimed at fostering camaraderie and unity.

"They're dedicated," Alvarez said. "When we plan something, everyone shows up, that tells me they're committed to each other and the bigger picture."

The Fighting Knights will open their home schedule on Saturday, October 25, when they host Barry University at the McCusker Pool Complex at 12:00 p.m.