IOWA CITY, Iowa – Denison University All-American Alix O’Brien will transfer to the University of Iowa women’s swimming and diving program for the 2022-23 season, it was announced Monday by head coach Nathan Mundt. O’Brien will have three seasons of eligibility with the Hawkeyes.
“We are excited to add Alix to our roster for next season and beyond,” said Mundt. “She has improved tremendously in multiple events, which will help our team immediately. Alix is a competitor and wants to work hard, so we can’t wait to have her join us in Iowa City.”
A distance freestyler from Apple Valley, Minnesota, O’Brien earned All-America honors in four events at the NCAA Division III Championships in the 500 free (fifth, 4:52.27), 400 IM (fifth, 4:21.41), 1,650 freestyle (fifth, 16:51.81) and as part of the 800-free relay during her freshman season at Denison.
She was also the NCAC conference champion in the 1,650 free (16:48.22), while finishing as runner-up in the 500 free (4:53.13) and 400 IM (4:23.23).
“I chose the University of Iowa because of the unique opportunities it has to offer both in and out of the pool,” said O’Brien. “I feel as though it will be the perfect place to challenge me to grow. I felt at home after spending time on campus and with the team. I can’t wait to be a Hawkeye.”
As a prep, O’Brien was a two-time all-state, three-time team MVP and four-time all-conference selection at Apple Valley High School. She finished in the top 10 at the state meet three times with her highest finish coming in the 500 free, placing sixth in 2019.
O’Brien also placed in the top six at the section meet in her career, including winning the 500 free and tallying a runner-up finish in the 200 free in 2019.
O’Brien comes to Iowa City with personal best times of 1:52.23 (200 free), 4:52.27 (500 free), 4:21.41 (400 IM) and 16:47.31 (1,650 free).
Outside of the pool, O’Brien was an Academic All-American in golf, where she was an honorable mention all-conference selection. She graduated from high school with Magna Cum Laude honors.
After competing with 13 student-athletes during the 2021-22 season, the Hawkeyes are retooling their roster. O’Brien will be one of 14 student-athletes, thus far, that will join the program next season.