Swim & Dive finish successful season

KYLE SCHECK
PHOTOGRAPHER

KAITRISS DEGROFT
STAFF WRITER

2/23/2026

The Alma College Men’s and Women’s Swim and Dive teams have had an outstanding season and competed at their best at the 2026 MIAA Swimming and Diving Championships.

Both teams delivered strong performances against conference rivals. The Alma men finished in fourth place with 364.5 points in the team standings, while the women also finished in fourth place with 407 points. 

Among the athletes contributing to Alma’s success this season is Brent Rehil (’26), who has put together a year worth remembering. Earlier this season at the MIAA Winter Invite, Rehil broke the Alma College 200-yard breaststroke record, finishing sixth overall with a time of 2:11.76. 

Going into the MIAA Championships, Rehil expressed confidence in both his individual progress and the team’s potential.

“As an individual, this season has been successful already, but there are still more opportunities at MIAA’s. Hoping to break some more individual records and to break some relay records that have stood for years,” said Rehil. 

At the MIAA Championships, Rehil followed through on his determination with a 3rd place finish in the men’s 800-yard freestyle relay, alongside Colin Moran (’28), Max Nielsen (’27) and Eli Mull (’26), with an overall time of 7:07.75.  

The women’s team also solidified 3rd place in the 800-yard freestyle relay, including Laney Voisinet (’26), Hannah Sullivan (’29), Delilah Zingelewicz (’29) and Sofia Floros (’26) with a time of 8:04.91. 

Reflecting on the season, Anya Drewniki (’26) emphasized how much the team’s experiences, especially the training and championships, strengthened their bond and contributed to their success.

“My favorite part of the season is always training trips and MIAAs. Our bond as a team always strengthens during our longer trips and it’s so rewarding to see it pay off in the end,” said Drewniki. 

As the team approached the MIAA Championships, she also noted the intensity and focus required to give their all after months of training.

Our biggest challenge this week is MIAAs. We’ve raced and trained for the last 6 months, so putting our all into one final meet is what takes the most out of us, but is also what’s most rewarding,” said Drewniki. 

“We have a team that is almost twice the size of last year, and about half of our swimmers and divers are freshmen. I’ve been really proud and amazed at how well the team has come together,” said Chris Hamstra, Alma College Head Swimming and Diving Coach, praising the development and camaraderie of both teams.

Beyond the numbers, he highlighted how the team’s culture and leadership have flourished over the season. 

“I know it’s a bit cheesy, but they are really looking out for each other. The upperclassmen have been amazing leaders and the younger team members have brought a lot of spirit, fun and fight back into the program,” said Hamstra.

There are a few other highlights worth mentioning from this season. The Alma men earned a 173–119 victory over Kalamazoo, the program’s first win against the Hornets in 55 years, while the women’s team also had several strong showings in dual meets and relays. 

Freshman Abigail Dumond (’29) was a standout at the Malone Invite, placing third on the one‑meter board with a score of 353.95 points and second on the three‑meter board with 332.00 points, showcasing more depth and talent of the team heading into the MIAA Championships.