Vanderbilt Swimmers Set to Compete at National Invitational Championship
Vanderbilt University swimmers Melissa Cowen and Aubrey Hull are preparing to compete at the CSCAA National Invitational Championship, taking place Thursday through Saturday at the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training facility in Ocala, Florida. This marks the third time in four seasons Vanderbilt will have multiple swimmers participating in the event.
Cowen’s Impressive First Season and Continued Momentum
Junior Melissa Cowen has quickly become a standout performer for the Commodores. In her first season, she achieved the CSCAA NIC A cut in both the 50 and 200 breaststroke, and the NIC B standard in the 50 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, and 200 individual medley. Cowen achieved Vanderbilt’s highest individual finish at the 2026 SEC Championships, placing 26th in the 200 breaststroke, followed by a 31st-place finish in the 100 breaststroke.
Her best times in the 100 and 200 breaststroke were set at the Phill Hansel Invitational, and she as well holds the team’s best time in the 50 freestyle. Cowen’s success extends beyond the SEC Championships, having earned a podium finish in the 200 breaststroke at the Phill Hansel Invitational and winning the 200 breaststroke in a dual meet against Arkansas.
Hull’s Backstroke Dominance and Championship Experience
Sophomore Aubrey Hull will be making her second appearance at the National Invitational Championship, focusing on the 50, 100, and 200 backstroke. Last year, she achieved runner-up and third-place finishes in the consolation finals of the 100 and 200 backstroke, respectively. At the recent SEC Championships, Hull finished 28th overall in the 100 backstroke and placed in the top 35 in the 200 backstroke.
Hull’s fastest times in both backstroke events this season came at the Phill Hansel Invitational, where she advanced to the A Final in each event. She is the school record holder in the 100 backstroke and ranks second in program history in the 200 backstroke. All five of Hull’s individual victories during the 2025-26 season were in backstroke races.
Vanderbilt’s Rising Profile in Collegiate Swimming
Coach Jeremy Organ emphasized the importance of this meet as an opportunity for Vanderbilt to compete at a high level and continue developing its swimmers. He stated, “This week gives us another opportunity to represent Vanderbilt at a really high-level meet with a lot of great teams. We’re looking for some great swims throughout the week, and I also think it’s really important in our development as we think about where we ultimately want to be and how to receive to the highest level.”
The CSCAA National Invitational Championship
The 2026 CSCAA National Invitational Championship will be held at the FAST Facility in Ocala, Florida, from March 12-14. The Hilton Ocala is the official hotel for the event.
FAQ
Q: Where is the CSCAA National Invitational Championship being held?
A: The championship is being held at the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training facility in Ocala, Florida.
Q: When does the competition begin?
A: Preliminary heats begin at 8:30 a.m. CT each day, with finals starting at 5 p.m. CT.
Q: Which Vanderbilt swimmers are competing?
A: Melissa Cowen and Aubrey Hull will be representing Vanderbilt.
Q: What events will Aubrey Hull be competing in?
A: Hull will swim in the 50, 100, and 200 backstroke.
Q: What events will Melissa Cowen be competing in?
A: Cowen will compete in events including the 50 and 200 breaststroke.
Did you know? Vanderbilt has had multiple swimmers compete at the National Invitational Championship in three of the last four seasons.
Stay tuned for updates on Cowen and Hull’s performance at the CSCAA National Invitational Championship. Follow Vanderbilt Athletics for the latest news and results.
