This weekend, Rockhurst women's swimming and diving travels to Nebraska to begin their second season in program history. The Hawks face Nebraska-Omaha in dual meet competition on Friday at 6 p.m. in Omaha, Nebraska and Midland University on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Fremont, Nebraska.

The Hawks return seven swimmers from their inaugural season and welcome 11 newcomers. Head coach Doug Schranck is excited to see how this year's team comes together.

"I feel the large incoming class will help greatly with filling out lineups," Schranck said. "We have much more depth and some very strong new swimmers teaming up with strong returners."

Led by graduate student Laetitia Bouc, she set the school record in five individual events (200, 500 and 1000 freestyle, and 100 and 200 butterfly) and five relays (200, 400 and 800 freestyle, and 200 and 400 medley). Bouc was also selected to the 2024 CSC Women's Swimming and Diving Academic All-District Team.

Junior Danielle Horst is back for her second season at Rockhurst. During last year's inaugural season, she set the school record for two individual events (50 and 100 freestyle) and four relays (200 and 400 freestyle, 200 and 400 medley).

Sophomores Yara Elkoush and Karsen Bennett return for the Hawks as well. Each set four records apiece during their first year at Rockhurst.

"It will be fun to see how we can improve and move up in the GLVC standings," Schranck added. "After being eighth last year, our goal is to break into the top six. I also believe there are some women on the team who could qualify for the NCAA Championships."

"Training has been going well but racing and meets are the best part of swimming," Schranck said. "It should be a fun season."