Grace Swoboda Named Big 12 Swimmer of the Week | Iowa State Athletics
- AMES, Iowa – Iowa State sophomore Grace Swoboda has been named the Big 12 Swimmer of the Week, the conference announced on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
- Swoboda’s standout swim came in the 100-meter breaststroke, where she finished first with a time of 1:00.45.
- The Big 12 recognition highlights a strong week for conference swimmers and divers.
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State sophomore Grace Swoboda has been named the Big 12 Swimmer of the Week, the conference announced on . The recognition comes following a dominant performance against the Iowa Hawkeyes on .
Swoboda’s standout swim came in the 100-meter breaststroke, where she finished first with a time of 1:00.45. This wasn’t merely a victory. it was a record-breaking one. Her time shattered both the Iowa State school record and the Beyer Pool record, solidifying her position as a force in the event. She now holds the top spot on Iowa State’s all-time performance list for the 100 breaststroke.
The Big 12 recognition highlights a strong week for conference swimmers and divers. Alongside Swoboda, athletes from Arizona, Cincinnati, TCU, and Utah also received weekly awards, as announced by SwimSwam. This indicates a competitive landscape within the Big 12 swimming and diving programs.
Iowa State’s success isn’t limited to Swoboda’s individual achievement. The team is preparing for its final home dual meet of the season, scheduled for , against the Kansas Jayhawks. This meet represents a significant opportunity for the Cyclones to finish strong at home before heading into the championship portion of their season.
The Cyclones recently competed in a showdown against Illinois, details of which were reported by the Iowa State Daily. While specific results from that meet weren’t detailed in the provided information, it underscores the team’s active competition schedule and commitment to challenging opponents.
Beyond the immediate competition, Iowa State Athletics also recently highlighted a team-wide academic achievement. The Big 12 Conference announced its Academic All-Rookie Team, featuring a total of 848 student-athletes. This demonstrates the commitment to academic excellence across the conference, including within the Iowa State swimming and diving program. While the specific Iowa State athletes recognized on the Academic All-Rookie Team weren’t specified, the overall number speaks to the high academic standards within the Big 12.
Swoboda’s performance is particularly noteworthy as it comes at a crucial point in the season. Breaking school and pool records demonstrates not only her individual talent but also the effectiveness of the Iowa State swimming and diving program’s training regimen. The 100 breaststroke is a key event in collegiate swimming, and Swoboda’s time of 1:00.45 positions her as a contender for top honors at the upcoming Big 12 Championships.
The upcoming meet against Kansas will be a test for the Cyclones. Kansas is a traditionally strong swimming program, and a victory would provide a significant boost to Iowa State’s confidence heading into the conference championships. The final home dual meet also offers an opportunity for the team to celebrate its seniors and build momentum for the postseason.
The broader context of the Big 12 swimming and diving landscape suggests a highly competitive season. With multiple schools receiving weekly awards, the conference championships are expected to be closely contested. Swoboda’s performance, along with the academic achievements of her teammates, positions Iowa State as a program on the rise.
Looking ahead, the Iowa State swimming and diving team will be focused on refining their techniques and strategies in preparation for the Big 12 Championships. Swoboda’s record-breaking swim serves as an inspiration for the entire team, demonstrating the potential for success through hard work and dedication. The team’s ability to build on this momentum will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the championship season.