Milwaukee City Wire

The Horizon League Preseason Polls for Swimming and Diving were released Thursday. The Milwaukee Panthers women's team was picked to finish second while the men are expected to finish in the fifth spot.

Women Second

The Milwaukee women were slotted to finish in the second spot of the Horizon League with 37 points, after an 8-1 season where they went 3-0 in conference matchups. The Panthers also took second at the Horizon Championships, a mark they hope to improve on this year.

Leading the way for the Panthers will be seniors Janelle Schulz and Skylar Ruggles, who were named to the All-Conference team a year ago. Grace Hudson, Hanna DeGrace, Audrey Dixon, Mara Freeman, Carly Plate, and Erika Thomas also return after receiving All-Horizon League honors in 2023-24.

2024-25 Under Armour Women's #HLSD Preseason Poll

Place. Team (First Place Votes) – Points

1. Oakland (7) – 49

2. Milwaukee – 37

3. IU Indianapolis – 36

T4. Cleveland State – 26

T4. Youngstown State – 26

6. Green Bay – 15

7. Northern Kentucky – 7

Men Fifth

The Panthers enter the year placed fifth by the Horizon League coaches with 20 points, after a 6-2 season a year ago where they went 1-2 in conference meets. Milwaukee also took fifth place at the Horizon League Championships a year ago.

The Panthers will be led by fifth-year senior Jay Jensen who is looking to leave his mark even deeper on the program, already holding four school records. The Panthers also return standout performers in seniors Hayden Christiansen and Ben Lorenz. Charlie House is also looking for a big year after breaking three freshman school records in 2023-24.

2024-25 Under Armour Men's #HLSD Preseason Poll

Place. Team (First Place Votes) – Points

1. Oakland (6) – 48

2. IU Indianapolis (1) – 42

3. Cleveland State – 32

4. Youngstown State – 30

5. Milwaukee – 20

6. Green Bay – 17

7. Northern Kentucky – 7