UTRGV Swimming & Diving Bolsters Roster with Four New Signees
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros swimming & diving program is gearing up for the 2026-27 season with the addition of four talented athletes: Madelaine Bailey, Louise Deroide, Eirini Natsiou, and Kiyana Perez. Head coach Betsy Graham announced the signings on Tuesday, signaling a commitment to strengthening the team’s performance across multiple disciplines.
International Talent Joins the Vaqueros
UTRGV’s recruitment extends beyond national borders, bringing in athletes with impressive international experience. Madelaine Bailey, hailing from Gold Coast, Australia, brings a background in both springboard and platform diving, honed through three years of national-level competition. She’s demonstrated success at prestigious events, including a gold medal at the Elite Invitational in New South Wales.
From Ploërmel, France, Louise Deroide arrives as a strong breaststroker with a history of success in junior championships. Deroide holds record times for Union Des Nagures Ploërmelais in the 50-meter, 100-meter, and 200-meter breaststroke across multiple age groups. Her achievements also include a meet record in the 200-meter breaststroke at the Fédération International Sportive de I’Enseignement Catholique World Championships.
Eirini (Rena) Natsiou of Larissa, Greece, is a standout junior swimmer with multiple national championships to her name. Representing Greece at the Mediterranean COMEN Cup in 2023, she was part of a team that set a national junior record in the 4×100 freestyle relay. Natsiou specializes in freestyle sprints and butterfly events.
Local Texas Diver Adds Depth to the Team
Kiyana Perez, a local talent from Castroville, Texas, and Medina Valley High School, adds valuable platform diving experience to the Vaqueros. Perez has qualified for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Championships in both the 3-meter springboard and platform diving. She also earned gold at the Region 8-6A Championships in the 1-meter springboard, qualifying for the state championships.
Coach Insights on the New Additions
Coach Graham expressed excitement about the incoming class, highlighting each athlete’s potential contributions. She noted that Deroide will “bolster our sprint and breaststroke group,” while Natsiou will “bring quality depth to our butterfly and sprint freestyle events.” Diving coach Jenn Mangum emphasized Bailey’s strong fundamentals and Perez’s platform diving skills, stating that Perez will “assist to get our team moving in the right direction in that event.”
The Rising Importance of Diverse Skillsets in Collegiate Swimming & Diving
The UTRGV signings reflect a broader trend in collegiate athletics: the value of recruiting athletes with diverse skillsets, and backgrounds. Programs are increasingly seeking individuals who can contribute in multiple events, providing flexibility and depth to the roster. This approach is particularly crucial in swimming and diving, where team scores often depend on consistent performance across a range of disciplines.
FAQ
Q: When will these athletes begin competing for UTRGV?
A: The athletes will join the team for the 2026-27 season.
Q: Where are these athletes coming from?
A: The signees represent Australia, France, Greece, and Texas.
Q: What events do these athletes specialize in?
A: The athletes specialize in diving (springboard and platform), breaststroke, freestyle, and butterfly.
Q: How can I support UTRGV Swimming & Diving?
A: You can support the program through donations: give.utrgv.edu/DonateNow
Follow UTRGV Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates.
