Swim and Dive Begins 2026 with a Win

Friday, January 9

Boca Raton, Fla.

10 a.m.

Florida Atlantic

Wagner / North Texas (W) / Minnesota (Diving)

Photo by: Jack Storin

1/9/2026 6:19:00 PM | Swimming & Diving

FAU / Wagner / North Texas (W) / Minnesota (Diving) TEAM SCORES FAU / Wagner / North Texas (W) / Minnesota (Diving) DIVE RESULTS FAU / Wagner / North Texas (W) / Minnesota (Diving) FINAL RESULTS

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic men's and women's swimming and diving teams opened 2026 with two team victories at the FAU Aquatic Center on Friday morning.

It was a sweep for both teams, with the men defeating Wagner by a score of 219.00 to 75.00 and the women defeating North Texas 182.00-115.00, and Wagner 223.00-70.00.

On the day, the Owls earned 26 event victories across the board to begin the year.

QUICK HITS
Women

The women opened the day with a 200 medley relay victory, swimming a time of 1:46.32.
Talitha McEwan opened 2026 with victories in the 1000 free (10:26.65) and 100 free (52.70).
Bilú Bianchi earned a win in the 100 breast, finishing in a time of 1:04.38.
In the 50 free, the Owls went 1-2 with Maja Piotrowicz (24.23) and Ludo Pavia (24.75) taking the top two spots.
On the diving board, Augusta Ness was the top Owl finisher on the 1 mtr diving (223.00) with Grace Powell finishing sixth on the 3 mtr (264.45).
Senior Megan Drover-Smith grabbed herself a victory in the 200 back, swimming 2:04.77.
FAU went 1-2-3 in the 200 IM with Presley Staretz leading the way finishing in 2:10.50.
The morning closed with an Owl relay victory, winning the 400 free relay (3:31.95).

Men

Similar to the women, the men began the meet with a 200 medley relay victory finishing in a time of 1:32.37.
Sabian Branch continued his string of victories this season, earning the victory in the 1000 free (9:52.10).
Akant Durur won the 200 free (1:46.17).
In the 100 back, FAU again went 1-2-3, with James Shevchenko atop of the podium (52.27). Shevchenko also took the win in the 500 free (4:35.75).
John Reese Taylor won multiple events on the day, victorious in the 100 breast (56.88), 200 breast (2:06.87), and 200 IM (1:56.39).
Rush Clark finished the day with two event victories, winning the 200 fly (1:56.22), and 100 fly (51.61).
In the 50 free, freshman Noah Reeves won the 50 free in a time of 20.98.
The Owls had a strong day on the diving board with Miles Buchart finishing second on the 3 mtr (341.70) as well as Rocco Simonelli on the 1 mtr (277.20).
Leyton Roe continued his strong season, winning the 100 free (47.73).
Simon Wright won the 200 back for the Owls swimming 1:55.43.
FAU closed out the meet with a 400 free relay victory, swimming 3:08.67.

ON DECK
The Owls will return to the FAU Aquatic center next Saturday, Jan. 17th to compete against the St. Thomas Bobcats for Senior Day. Prior to the meet, the Owls will be honoring their 17 seniors.

SCHEDULE
For the full 2025-26 swim & dive schedule, click HERE.

ROSTER
For the full 2025-26 swim & dive roster, click HERE.

FOLLOW THE OWLS
For complete coverage from the meet and more FAU swimming & diving news, follow along on social media platforms (@fauswimdive).