Senior swimmer Holly Nelson and sophomore diver Lovisa Gustavsson will represent the University of Hawai'i at the 2026 NCAA Championships from March 18-21 in Atlanta. Nelson will compete in the 50 Freestyle, achieving her spot with a time of 22.28, while Gustavsson qualified for the 3-Meter Dive with a score of 606.10. This marks the first time since 2019 that UH sends both a swimmer and a diver to the NCAA Championships. Nelson, returning after her freshman year, is the first individual swimmer from UH to qualify since 2023, and Gustavsson makes history as the first diver from UH in the NCAA Championships since 2021.

By the Numbers
  • Nelson's qualifying time of 22.28 in the 50 free is the second fastest in program history.
  • Gustavsson's 3-meter dive score of 606.10 secured her a third-place finish at the NCAA Zone E meet.
State of Play
  • The NCAA Championships will take place at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta.
  • Nelson and Gustavsson will compete on March 20, where their events are scheduled in the morning and afternoon respectively.
What's Next

As both athletes prepare for the NCAA Championships, the focus will be on their performances to potentially achieve top rankings in their respective events. Strong showings could enhance UH's swimming and diving reputation nationally, possibly attracting new recruits in the future.

Bottom Line

The participation of Nelson and Gustavsson at the NCAA Championships highlights a significant moment for the University of Hawai'i's swimming and diving team, showcasing their exceptional talent and setting a hopeful trend for the program's future.