Hughbanks, Swalley Named to B1G Preseason Watch List

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa diver Makayla Hughbanks and swimmer Olivia Swalley were named to the Big Ten Swimmers and Divers Preseason Watch list, the conference announced on Wednesday.

Hughbanks, a native of Bettendorf, Iowa, holds the program’s fifth-best 3-meter dive (356.93) and eighth-best 1-meter (312.90). Last season, she won five individual event titles (two 1-meter and two 3-meter) and the AAU National Championship 1-meter dive with a score of 277.45 points.

Swalley enters the 2024 swim season following a stellar freshman performance. The Johnston, Iowa, native led the team in 100 breast (1:01.02), 200 breast (2:12.92), 200 IM (1:58.47), and 400 IM (4:14.42) which rank second, fourth, second, and second, respectively, all-time at Iowa. She won 23 individual races and contributed to six winning relays during the season. Swalley is a four-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week honoree and was named Swimming Team Co-MVP.

The Hawkeyes open their swimming and diving season on Friday, Oct. 4, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, against the University of Northern Iowa. The dual begins at 2:30 p.m. (CT).