EVANSVILLE, IN. - The Trojans head into the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Swimming and Diving Championships riding momentum, confidence, and championship ambition as the four-day meet takes place February 25–28. The team arrives fresh off an incredibly successful dual meet season, marking its first winning dual meet campaign since the 2016–2017 season, a milestone that has set the tone for a highly anticipated postseason.
That success has translated into depth and consistency across the roster, with multiple Trojan athletes currently ranked inside the top eight in the MVC, positioning the team for A-final appearances throughout the meet. From explosive sprint speed to endurance events and versatile individual medley races, the Trojans are poised to make an impact in every session.
The freestyle group leads the charge. Lena Nikolaeva enters the championship ranked third in the MVC in the 50-yard freestyle at 22.92 and sixth in the 100-yard freestyle at 50.47. Olivia Elgin has been one of the conference's most reliable point scorers, ranking fourth in the 100 freestyle at 49.95, second in the 200 freestyle at 1:47.88, and fifth in the 500 freestyle at 4:52.71.
In the backstroke events, freshman Amara Addison has emerged as one of the top newcomers in the conference, entering the championships ranked second in the MVC in the 100 backstroke with a time of 55.03.
Breaststroke depth continues to be a major strength for the Trojans. Adara Stoddard currently ranks fourth in the MVC in the 100 breaststroke at 1:02.70, while Gabriella O'Neil sits seventh at 1:03.24. The 200 breaststroke features three Trojans ranked inside the top eight, with Anna Nishizaki fourth at 2:16.35, Megan Stewart fifth at 2:16.86, and Stoddard sixth at 2:18.62, giving the team multiple scoring opportunities in championship finals.
The individual medley events highlight the team's versatility and competitive edge. Megan Stewart enters the meet ranked second in the MVC in the 200 IM at 2:01.02 and fourth in the 400 IM. The 100 IM also showcases Trojan depth, led by Elgin ranked third at 56.90, followed by Stewart in fifth at 57.22 and O'Neil in sixth at 57.68.
Relays are expected to be a major point-producing weapon throughout the week. The Trojans enter the championships ranked fourth in the 200 freestyle relay, second in the 400 freestyle relay, and first in the 800 freestyle relay, making the distance relay a marquee event to watch. Medley relays add further excitement, with the Trojans ranked fourth in both the 200 medley relay and the 400 medley relay, setting the stage for high-impact races under the lights.
With a historic dual meet season behind them, strong individual rankings, elite relay depth, and competitive diving performances rounding out the lineup, the Trojans will look to carry their momentum into the postseason and make a statement at the 2026 MVC Championships.
How to Watch and Championship Schedule
All swimming preliminary sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. CT, with finals held each evening at 5:30 p.m. CT. Live video coverage and real-time results will be available throughout the meet, including via Meet Mobile.
Wednesday, February 25
Events:
200 Freestyle Relay (Women and Men)
500 Freestyle (Women and Men)
200 IM (Women and Men)
50 Freestyle (Women and Men)
1-Meter Diving (Men)
400 Medley Relay (Women and Men)
Thursday, February 26
Events:
100 Butterfly (Women and Men)
400 IM (Women and Men)
200 Freestyle (Women and Men)
1-Meter Diving (Women)
200 Medley Relay (Women and Men)
Friday, February 27
Events:
200 Butterfly (Women and Men)
100 Breaststroke (Women and Men)
100 Backstroke (Women and Men)
3-Meter Diving (Men)
800 Freestyle Relay (Women and Men)
Saturday, February 28
Events:
1650 Freestyle (Women and Men)
200 Backstroke (Women and Men)
100 Freestyle (Women and Men)
200 Breaststroke (Women and Men)
3-Meter Diving (Women)
400 Freestyle Relay (Women and Men)
For the latest information on Little Rock Swimming and Diving, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockSwim on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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