IRVING, Texas – Defending American champion Rice has been selected as the favorite to defend its title in the American Women’s Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll, as voted on by the coaches.
American swimming and diving expands to nine teams this season with the addition of affiliate members James Madison, Liberty and Marshall, joining full members East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice, Tulane as well as affiliate member FIU.
In a tight vote, Rice earned five first-place votes and a total of 59 total points to be named the favorite. Liberty, the 2025 Atlantic Sun champion, was second, earning 57 points, including two first-place votes.