After starting the season with a tough loss to Texas, the LSU swim and dive team had a rocky start.
But with significant strides, the team has shown resilience, sweeping its first all-team meet at the Naval Academy and then defeating Tulane and Houston.
With a blend of experienced athletes and rising talent, the Tigers are establishing themselves as formidable SEC competitors.
One athlete has truly excelled in the opening half of this season for the women’s swim and dive: swimmer Jenna Bridges.
She recently set a new personal best in the 200-yard butterfly at the tri-meet against University of Houston and Tulane, finishing in 1:58.75. Bridges continues to excel in her events.
Another standout is senior and team captain Mitch Mason. He has continued to be a key component, particularly in the breaststroke events. His recent victory in the 100 breaststroke against Texas, where he clocked a time of 53.12, earned a new pool record and showed his hard work during the offseason paid off. Mason’s versatility makes him an asset for both individual and relay events, and he’s expected to play a crucial role as the season progresses.
Jere Hribar, in his debut season with the Tigers, has made his name known and LSU fans need to keep him on close watch. Hribar broke pool records in the opening meet and will continue to smash records.
With these new records and performances that just keep getting better, he will be a needed asset to the 200-freestyle relay as well as the 200-200-individual medley relay.
As the team gets ready for the Georgia Invitational in Athens on Nov. 20, every athlete will be making strides toward improving their times. They each will aim to step into Georgia with their best foot forward.
The diving squad has also been a highlight for LSU. Helle Tuxen the Swedish Olympian has delivered impressive scores, particularly in the 3-meter dive.
She recently scored 312.15 at a tri-meet this past weekend, earning her first place and solidifying her position as one of the top divers in the conference. Her consistency is critical for LSU’s overall success in diving competition.
Despite the individual successes, the team faces challenges that need addressing as they approach the heart of the season.
One pressing concern is the inconsistency in the women’s relay events. Swimmer in the 200-yard medley relay, in particular, has struggled with execution.
In the season opener against Texas, the Tigers placed third due to a timing issue throughout the entire team. This means there needs to be a better flow and cohesiveness in the relay to continue placing against top teams like Texas.
Additionally, the coaching staff has noted that depth is a concern across several events.
While top swimmers like Bridges, Mason and Hribar are performing admirably, the team needs to make sure their younger athletes step up and provide support in key races.
Looking ahead, the upcoming schedule includes critical meets against strong competitors like Georgia and Alabama. These matchups will serve as vital tests for the team’s resolve and strategy.
Alabama, renowned for its sprinting prowess and experienced team, will challenge LSU to perform well in the distance events to gain an edge in overall scoring.
The SEC Championships are quickly approaching, and the pressure will be on. The coaching staff is focusing on mental preparation and race strategy to ensure athletes perform at their best when it counts. The team needs to harness their competitive spirit while maintaining composure under pressure.
As the LSU swim and dive team continues through the 2024-25 season, it’s in a strong position to make significant waves in both the SEC and NCAA championships.
To maximize its potential, the team must address its relay execution and develop depth across the board.
The next few months will be pivotal for the Tigers development and overall performance. As they approach the championship season, the team will need to be ready to showcase their hard work and commitment in the pool each and every week.
