East Carolina University's women's swimming and diving team is gearing up for an exciting 2026-27 season, with the addition of 11 talented newcomers. This diverse group of swimmers and divers, including eight freshmen and three sophomore transfers, is set to make an impact on the team's performance. With a strong foundation of returning athletes, the team is poised for success, having finished third at the American Conference Championships in February. Head coach Matthew Jabs expresses his enthusiasm for the new recruits, highlighting their potential to contribute immediately.
One standout newcomer is Isabelle Cameron, a sophomore from Peterborough, England, who excels in breaststroke and individual medley events. Her impressive track record includes British Olympic trials and national finals, showcasing her prowess in the pool. Another notable addition is Alena Gemici, a freshman from Germany, who specializes in sprint and middle-distance freestyle events. Gemici's achievements include multiple German Championship runner-up finishes and a top-three finish in the 4x50 free mixed relay.
Sophie Hay, a sophomore from New Zealand, brings distance freestyle expertise to the team. With top-50 rankings in New Zealand and successful meets at Washington State, Hay is a force to be reckoned with. Ashlyn Loftin, a freshman from Georgia, is a breaststroke specialist with a strong academic background. She has achieved state championships, region titles, and all-American status, making her a valuable asset.
Orla Macinnes, a sophomore from Scotland, is a butterfly specialist with a strong competitive background. Her top-three finishes and event wins at Youngstown State demonstrate her skill. Lauren McCoy, a freshman from Florida, is a diving talent with state finals and MVP awards under her belt. Eszti Scheffer, a freshman from Hungary, is a backstroke specialist with multiple Hungarian Championship placements.
Aaliyah Schiffel, a freshman from Germany, is a breaststroke and individual medley specialist with national age group championships and European junior championship experience. Isabel Schroeder, a freshman from Ohio, excels in sprint freestyle and backstroke, with state and national championship accolades. Maria Shyrikova, a freshman from Ukraine, is an individual medley specialist with national team and championship credentials.
Ava Vercollone, a freshman from Maryland, is a versatile swimmer with a strong academic record. Her IAAM All-conference and All-American awards, along with swimmer of the year recognition, showcase her talent. The addition of these 11 athletes to the team is a significant boost, and their diverse skill sets and backgrounds will contribute to a competitive and dynamic swimming and diving program at East Carolina University.
