Golden Grizzlies Selected No. 1 in #HLSD Preseason Poll

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – On Wednesday, the Horizon League announced its 2026-27 Under Armour #HLSD Preseason Poll, with Oakland selected by the league’s head coaches to finish first for both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs.

The Oakland University swimming and diving teams aim to extend their conference streak, as both teams have won the Horizon League title every season since joining the conference in 2013-14. With last season’s championship, the men’s and women’s teams have now won 13 consecutive #HLSD titles, resulting in 48 straight conference championships for the men and 32 for the women.

Last season, the women’s team was led by Lydia Soldatke, who was named both the 2026 Freshman of the Year and Athlete of the Year. She returns for her sophomore year, joined by seniors Clarissa Bezuidenhout, Delaney Buckner, Ava McNamara, Ariana Rice, and Casey Sanders. With a strong incoming freshman class, the Golden Grizzlies appear well positioned heading into the season.

The men’s team has lost some of its top competitors during the offseason, including NCAA qualifier Christopher Palvadre. However, they return a nine-member senior class to help lead the way toward another conference championship. Along with 2026 Freshman of the Year Cooper Dillman, Finnish national record holder Ajjuub Ezzat, and an incoming freshman class of seven, Oakland is ready to showcase its depth once again this season.

The Golden Grizzlies open the 2026-27 season with the annual Black and Gold Intrasquad meet on Sept. 25 before officially beginning their schedule against  Youngstown State on Oct. 2-3 at home at the Oakland Aquatic Center.

See the full men’s and women’s #HLSD Preseason Polls below:

2026-27 Under Armour Men’s #HLSD Preseason Poll

Place. Team – Points

1. Oakland – 47

2. IU Indianapolis – 43

3. Milwaukee – 30 

4. Cleveland State – 25

5. Green Bay – 23

6. Youngstown State – 19

7. Northern Kentucky – 9

 

2026-27 Under Armour Women’s #HLSD Preseason Poll

Place. Team – Points

1. Oakland – 49 

2. Milwaukee – 37

3. IU Indianapolis – 35

4. Cleveland State – 32

5. Youngstown State – 20

6. Green Bay – 15

7. Northern Kentucky – 8

How to Follow Oakland Swimming and Diving: For complete information on Oakland Swimming and Diving, follow the team on Instagram and on X at @OAK_swim_dive.