McLean County Times

The Illinois State Swim and Dive team is set to commence its 2024-25 season by hosting Indiana State on October 5 at Horton Pool. The event will begin at 2 p.m. and serves as the team's Mental Health Awareness meet, with proceeds benefiting the Hilinski's Hope Foundation.

The Redbirds are led by a group of seasoned athletes, including seniors Emma Feltzer, Sydney Hoff, Mia Snow, Lauren Wisdom, Lauren Hervey, and fifth-year Cassidy Carey. Last season, Feltzer made notable achievements by winning the 100 free at the Missouri Conference Championship with a school record time of 49.33. She also secured third place in the 50 free, marking another significant achievement in school history.

Mia Snow earned MVC All-Conference Honors last year and ranks second in school history for the 100 fly (25.64). Lauren Wisdom holds third place in program history for the 100 free and was recognized on the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team. Lauren Hervey achieved a personal best in the 100 free at last year's MVC Championships with a time of 53.32.

Indiana State concluded their previous season with an impressive overall record of 9-1 and finished second at the Missouri Valley Conference Championships. Key returning athletes for Indiana State include Claire Parsons and Alexa Szadorski.

Riley Hilbrandt steps into her first season as head coach for Illinois State after three years at East Carolina. She is supported by Ryan McCoy from UIndy and Dallas O'Haver who has been with ISU since 2022. "ISU Swim & Dive has always had consistency," Hilbrandt remarked. "This season, staying consistent will be key."

In recent polls, Illinois State ranked fourth in the MVC preseason poll while Indiana State was positioned second and received votes in the NCAA Division I top-25 poll.

Former Illinois State Head Coach Sean Sullivan returns to Normal as part of Indiana State's staff this offseason after being with the Redbird coaching staff since 2021.

New additions to Illinois State include Lindenwood transfers Selena Corona and Adi Luker who are expected to contribute significantly under head diving coach Dallas O'Haver.

Following this meet, Illinois State will host Ohio for a two-day invitational on October 18-19 before embarking on three consecutive road meets against Southern Illinois/Illinois-Champaign (November 1), Purdue (November 22-23), and participating in the US Open in Greensboro N.C. (December 4-7).

For updates on Illinois State swimming & diving events, visit GoRedbirds.com or follow them on social media platforms including "X", Facebook, and Instagram.