Steubenville, Ohio - The Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) released their Preseason Coaches' poll for Women's Swimming & Diving on Wednesday. Franciscan was picked to finish seventh after finishing in that position last season.
 

2025-26 PAC Women's Swimming and Diving Preseason Coaches' Poll (Predicted order of Championship finish)
School (first-place votes)	Points	2024-25 Championships finish
1. Grove City College (8)	64	1st (of 8) at PAC Championships, 991 pts.
2. Saint Vincent College	56	2nd (of 8) at PAC Championships, 687 pts.
3. Westminster College (1)	49	3rd (of 8) at PAC Championships, 421 pts.
4. Washington & Jefferson College	41	6th (of 8), at PAC Championships, 334 pts.
5. Chatham University	35	4th (of 8) at PAC Championships, 399 pts.
6. Allegheny College	31	5th (of 8) at PAC Championships, 334 pts.
7. Franciscan University	25	7th (of 8) at PAC Championships, 211 pts.
8. Hiram College	12	8th (of 8) at NCAC Championships, 260 pts.
9. Bethany College	11	8th (of 8) at PAC Championships, 142 pts.

 
Swimmers to Watch
Four Barons were named PAC Swimmers to Watch for the upcoming 2025-26 season. 

Kate Kinst (Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa. / Fox Chapel) is one of a handful of seniors that returns as a leader for the Barons. Kinst will get a lot of opportunities in the distance freestyle events, and she looks to be a major contributor on relays once again. Entering the 2025-26 season, she is part of three program record times in the 200, 400, and 800 yard freestyle relays.

Sophia Gellner (Jr. Liberty Township, Ohio / Bishop Fenwick) is another veteran who brings a wealth of experience to this younger roster. She excelled in freestyle and backstroke events over the last two seasons. She has also been a major contributor on relays, as she is part of the 200 yard freestyle relay program record alongside Kinst. 

Samantha Walton (So. Buford, Ga. / Flowery Branch) returns and looks to provide some needed depth. She will likely be one the top Barons in butterfly events this season. Gabrielle Lewis (Fr. Coon Rapids, Minn. / Coon Rapids) rounds out the Swimmers to Watch and is a new face to Franciscan. She looks to make an immediate impact in mid-distance freestyle events and relays in her first collegiate season.

New Faces
Alongside Gabrielle Lewis, first-year Head Coach JW Beatovich has several new faces that look to make their mark on the program this season. Christina Abele, Janine Agapay, Anna Devault, Haley Fifield, Mary Therese Frank, Elizabeth Hall, and Faith Leader are new to the program for the 2025-26 season.

The Favorites
Grove City earned eight first-place votes to earn the #1 ranking in this year's poll. They have won six straight PAC Championships and 22 in total over the years, as they have been one of the most dominant teams across all sports in the conference. Grove City will also host the PAC Championships at the James E. Longnecker Competition Pool on February 18th - 21st.

Up Next
The Barons open up the season at home on November 1st, as Bethany comes to Steubenville. It will be the lone home meet of the season for the Barons, as it will serve as Senior Day. The Barons look to start the season on a high note, as they are 17-3 all-time against their local rival, including 14 consecutive wins. 

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