(Written with assistance by the MIAA publicity office)

The Calvin women's swimming and diving team has been picked to finish second in the MIAA preseason coaches' poll released Thursday morning. The Knights received one first place vote with Hope receiving four first place votes and the top spot in the poll.

Calvin finished second at the 2026 MIAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships with 990 points.

Senior Emma Merkel, a three-time All-MIAA swimmer, leads the Knights' returning group after winning the 200 free in 1:50.04 and contributing to the championship-winning 400 free relay. Merkel also competed at the NCAA Championships, placing 23rd in the 200 free (1:51.82) and 29th in the 200 back (2:03.38). Additionally, Merkel recorded a time of 57.06 in the 100 back.

Junior Zoe Poe, a two-time All-MIAA honoree, brings back another record-setting performance. Poe broke the MIAA championship record in the 1,650 free with a time of 17:11.60. At the NCAA Championships, she placed 13th in the event in 17:10.02, finished 30th in the 500 free (5:02.87), and completed the 200 fly in 2:07.89.

Calvin is currently ranked 19^th nationally by the College Swim Coaches Association. The Knights host Division II Grand Valley State and Saginaw Valley State this Saturday in a triangular at 1 p.m. at the Venema Aquatic Center.

Conference competition begins with the MIAA Fall Invite, hosted by Hope at the Holland Aquatic Center on October 24 at 11:00 a.m. The MIAA Winter Invite will follow at Calvin on January 23 at 11:00 a.m.

Calvin will host the 2027 MIAA Swimming and Diving Championships, February 17-20. The NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships are scheduled for March 17-20 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

MIAA Women's Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll
1. Hope College - 16 points (4 first-place votes)
2. Calvin University - 13 points (1 first-place vote)
3. Kalamazoo College - 8 points
4. Albion College - 7 points
5. Alma College - 6 points