Texas Longhorn Aquatics Program Sends 25 Swimmers and Divers to Global Competitions After Dominant USA Championships Performance

The Texas Longhorns aquatics program once again stands tall among the world’s elite. Following a commanding showcase at the 2025 USA Swimming National Championships, 11 swimmers and four divers from the University of Texas have officially qualified to represent Team USA at this summer’s World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Additionally, 10 more standout Longhorns will make the trip to Germany for the World University Games, reinforcing the program’s reputation as a global powerhouse in competitive swimming and diving.

For Texas, the news is both historic and affirming. It marks one of the largest contingents the program has ever sent to international events in a single summer. From Olympic hopefuls to rising collegiate stars, the Longhorns have proven that their training ground in Austin is not just a stepping stone to greatness—it’s a launchpad.

Setting the Standard in the Pool

The Texas men’s and women’s swim teams have long been dominant forces in collegiate aquatics, consistently finishing atop the NCAA rankings and producing elite-level talent for international meets. That tradition continued in resounding fashion at the USA Swimming National Championships, where multiple Longhorns delivered personal bests, national titles, and eye-catching times that punched their tickets to Team USA’s elite rosters.

Among the headliners for the World Aquatics Championships is senior standout Jake Mitchell, who cemented his place with a scintillating performance in the 400-meter freestyle. His time not only won the event but positioned him as one of the favorites to contend for a medal in Singapore. Mitchell, who represented the U.S. at the Tokyo Olympics, now returns to the international spotlight with more experience, maturity, and the motivation to deliver his best yet.

Joining Mitchell are Carson Foster, a reigning world medalist in the IM events, and Erica Sullivan, the Olympic silver medalist in the 1500 freestyle. Foster’s calm dominance in both the 200 and 400 IM was one of the most talked-about storylines of the meet, and his form suggests he could be a major player in Singapore. Sullivan, meanwhile, continues to build her distance freestyle résumé and will be one to watch on the biggest stage.

Also bound for Singapore are young talents like Emma Sticklen, who secured her place with a stunning butterfly victory, and Luke Hobson, a rising star who clocked eye-popping splits in both the 200 and 800-meter freestyles. Their ascension marks a new wave of Texas talent ready to make its mark.

Making a Splash in Diving

Equally impressive was the showing from the Longhorn diving team, which placed four athletes on Team USA’s final roster for Singapore. Veteran diver Jordan Windle led the charge, turning in a commanding performance on both the platform and springboard. A decorated Longhorn with NCAA titles under his belt, Windle’s leadership and consistency make him a crucial asset for Team USA this summer.

Joining Windle are Hailey Hernandez, Noah Duperre, and Bridget O’Neil, each of whom demonstrated remarkable poise and precision during the qualifying rounds. Hernandez, in particular, dazzled judges with her synchro springboard performance, earning one of the top scores of the championship meet.

Their inclusion gives Texas a multi-pronged presence at the World Aquatics Championships, reinforcing the depth and excellence across the entire aquatics program—not just in the lanes but on the boards as well.

World University Games: The Next Generation

While 15 Longhorns prepare for Singapore, another 10 will travel to Germany for the 2025 World University Games—a prestigious international meet often seen as a proving ground for the next generation of global swim and dive stars.

Leading the pack for Texas at the World University Games is sophomore phenom Patrick Sammon, whose breakout season has garnered national attention. Sammon was narrowly edged out of a spot for Singapore but will instead take on a leadership role among the U.S. contingent in Germany. His sprint freestyle prowess could prove to be decisive in both individual events and relays.

On the women’s side, freshman Kayla Han headlines a talented group eager to showcase their skills. Han’s versatility in the backstroke and IM events was on full display at the National Championships, and her times were among the best for her age group nationwide. Her inclusion in the World University Games roster speaks volumes about her potential and trajectory.

Also headed to Germany are teammates Jack Hoagland, Kaitlyn Dobler, Cole Crane, Olivia Bray, and Maximus Williamson, each of whom played a critical role in Texas’ dominance throughout the collegiate season. For many of them, it will be their first taste of international competition—a stepping stone toward World Championships and Olympic contention in the years ahead.

Culture of Excellence

What sets the Longhorns apart is more than just speed and execution—it’s culture. Head coaches Eddie Reese (men’s swimming), Carol Capitani (women’s swimming), and Matt Scoggin (diving) have cultivated an environment where individual excellence thrives within a team-first framework. That balance was evident at the National Championships, where Longhorns could be seen supporting one another between heats, sharing strategies, and celebrating personal milestones together.

“The way this team pushes each other every day in practice translates into success at every level,” said Coach Capitani following the meet. “It’s a group that trains hard, lifts each other up, and understands what it means to represent the University of Texas and the United States.”

With the Olympic Games in Paris just a year away, this summer’s international events in Singapore and Germany serve as critical markers for the athletes’ development. For some, like Mitchell and Sullivan, it’s a chance to sharpen their edge ahead of Olympic qualifiers. For others, it’s the beginning of their rise through the sport’s highest ranks.

Eyes on the Horizon

The sheer number of Longhorns set to compete on the international stage this summer is a testament to the program’s breadth of talent and commitment to continuous improvement. It also signals a bright future, as younger athletes gain experience and veterans strive for global medals.

Singapore will host the world’s best in aquatic sports, and Texas will be front and center. Whether it’s Foster gliding through an IM, Sullivan grinding out the 1500 meters, Windle flipping through the air, or the new wave in Germany setting personal bests—Longhorn Nation will have reason to cheer from every corner of the globe.

As the summer of international competition begins, the message is clear: Texas isn’t just back—it’s everywhere. From the blocks to the boards, from Austin to Singapore and Germany, the Longhorns continue to show the world what elite preparation, relentless drive, and championship culture look like. And they’re just getting started.