GRINNELL, Iowa – The Illinois College women's swimming team has been picked to finish sixth in the Midwest Conference according to the annual MWC Women's Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced Thursday.
The Lady Blues, who also finished sixth at last season's conference championships, garnered 34 points in the poll to earn the sixth slot. IC welcomes back three All-MWC performers in senior
Julie Edwards and sophomores
Jadyn Grismer and
Laci O'Malley, along with seniors
Emma Dunsworth and
Laney Goddard to lead the 2026-27 squad.
The Pioneers received eight of the 10 first-place votes and accumulated 80 points to lead all teams. Grinnell has won the last five league championships in a row (and 34 titles overall).
Midwest Conference newcomer Luther finished in second place with 65 points and received one first-place vote, while Lake Forest claimed third with 62 points and also picked up a first-place vote. St. Norbert came in fourth with 61 points, while Milwaukee School of Engineering rounded out the top half of the poll with 55 points.
IC, Monmouth (32 points), Beloit (27 points), Lawrence (23 points) and Ripon (11 points) rounded out the back half of the voting.
The 2026-27 season will conclude at the 2027 MWC Swimming & Diving Championships hosted by Grinnell from Thursday, February 18, through Sunday, February 21.
2026-27 MWC Women's Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches' Poll Results
1. Grinnell College (8) - 80 points
2. Luther College (1) - 65 points
3. Lake Forest College (1) - 62 points
4. St. Norbert College - 61 points
5. Milwaukee School of Engineering - 55 points
6. Illinois College - 34 points
7. Monmouth College - 32 points
8. Beloit College - 27 points
9. Lawrence University - 23 points
10. Ripon College - 11 points
() = first-place votes
