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ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Oakland University swimming and diving team will open its 2026-27 season Oct. 2-3, hosting Youngstown State at the Oakland Aquatic Center.
The Golden Grizzlies will face the Penguins in their season opener for the third straight season. Oakland and Youngstown State have each hosted the opening meet during that span. Friday’s competition begins at 5 p.m. ET, with action resuming Saturday at 10 a.m.
WOMEN’S PREVIEW
Oakland’s women’s team returns several Horizon League champions, including senior Clarissa Bezuidenhout, junior Kelley Hassett, and sophomore Lydia Soldatke. The Golden Grizzlies captured their 13th consecutive Horizon League championship last season, extending their consecutive conference-record total to 32 titles.
Soldatke was named the women’s freshman of the meet for the Horizon League Championships before earning the Horizon League Women’s Swimmer and Freshman of the Year honors.
The Golden Grizzlies welcome five newcomers: Emma Albrecht, Alexandra Burns, Sophie Gaylord, Janina Granberg, and Haley Johnson.
MEN’S PREVIEW
The Oakland men’s team enters the season looking to replace a strong graduating class, with several returners prepared to take on expanded roles. Senior Max Haney and sophomores Cooper Dillman, Ajjuub Ezzat and Ike Martinez each won a championship at last year’s Horizon League Championship, where Oakland claimed its 13th consecutive Horizon League title and 48th straight conference title overall.
Alongside Soldatke, Dillman was named the men’s freshman of the meet at the Horizon League Championship after winning the 400 IM and the 1650 freestyle.
New to this season’s roster are freshmen Grady Bargfrede, Aidan Jansen, Simon Kristensen, Trae Lewis, Enzo Morello, Wade Pyle, and Gavin Reiser, along with junior transfer Luke Vickers.
SCOUTING THE PENGUINS
Youngstown State opened its season Sept. 11-12 against IU Indianapolis and Cleveland State. The meet marked the earliest start in program history and the beginning of the Penguins’ first season under head coach Hannah Saiz.
Oakland swept both days of last year’s meet at Youngstown State. Scored separately, the women’s team won 150-130 and 187-94, while the men’s team won 167-114 and 196-85.
Youngstown State was picked fifth in the #HLSD preseason poll with 20 points on the women’s side, while Oakland received 47 points to lead the league. The Penguins also finished fifth at last year’s Horizon League Championship, 12 points behind fourth-place Cleveland State.
In the men’s poll, the Penguins were selected sixth with 19 points after finishing third in the 2026 Horizon League Championship. Oakland was picked first with 49 points.
Tickets are available at the ticket office on the day of the meet.
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.