INDIANAPOLIS — Five Cal State East Bay swimmers have earned individual invitations to the 2026 NCAA Division II Swimming & Diving Championships, set for March 10–14 at the Deaconess Aquatic Center in Evansville, Indiana. The Pioneer qualifiers head to nationals fresh off winning the team title at the 2026 PCSC Swimming & Diving Championships, adding momentum to a season already marked by record‑setting performances and postseason breakthroughs. Kylie Beaudet, Maggie Clemens, Alexia Fajardo, Malana Kollath and Tehani Kong were the five selected as individuals to compete in Evansville.
Kylie Beaudet — 400 Yard Individual Medley
A senior making her fourth consecutive NCAA appearance, Beaudet once again qualifies in the 400 IM after placing 10th nationally in 2025. She earned silver in the event at the PCSC Championships, helping the Pioneers secure the team conference crown. Beaudet continues to hold the program record in the 400 IM with the 4:19.74 she posted at last year's national meet.
Maggie Clemens — 1,650, 1,000 & 500 Yard Freestyle
Clemens heads to her first NCAA Championships after sweeping the PCSC titles in the 500, 1,000, and 1,650 freestyle as a freshman—three golds that were instrumental in delivering the team PCSC championship. Her wins in the 1,000 (10:06.84) and 1,650 (16:57.28) also set new Pioneer records, solidifying her as one of the top distance swimmers in the conference.
A sophomore making her second NCAA appearance, Fajardo qualified in both butterfly events following a strong PCSC meet in which she won the 200 fly and finished second in the 100. Her performances contributed to the Pioneers' overall conference title and highlight her growth as a key point‑scorer on the biggest stages.
Malana Kollath — 1,650, 1,000 & 500 Yard Freestyle
Kollath, a freshman, joins Clemens in making her NCAA debut after claiming PCSC silver medals in the 500, 1,000, and 1,650 freestyle—three podium finishes that helped East Bay clinch the conference championship. She also owns the program record in the 500 free (4:56.27), underscoring her rapid impact within the roster.
Tehani Kong — 100 & 200 Yard Butterfly
Kong enters her third NCAA Championships as a junior and remains one of Division II's standout butterfly swimmers. She captured the PCSC title in the 100 fly and finished runner‑up in the 200, contributing crucial points to East Bay's team conference win. Nationally, she placed third in the 100 fly in 2025 and eighth in 2024. She continues to hold the school record in the event after clocking 53.40 during last year's NCAA prelims.
