The Iowa swimming and diving teams have added some young talent this year — talent the Hawkeyes expect will have a big effect on the season.

“I think the freshman class can bring a new perspective into the whole sport and a new era, I guess you could say,” freshman diver Anton Hoherz said. “Our freshmen this year are very, very strong, and I think that’s just going to be a thing that keeps getting stronger and stronger throughout the years.”

Having a strong young group with a lot of confidence can instill that sureness in the older team members.

As well as adding confidence at every level, the way the freshmen compete push the groups above them to match that performance.

“It’s super-exciting to see them come in and tear it up out there,” senior Matt Mauser said. “It also pushes us — the sophomores, juniors, and seniors — to do better as well, so it’s great to have them. They’re a great group.”

Both the men and women’s team have added eight freshmen this year, some of whom have made big names for themselves in the water.

On Oct. 27 against No. 21 Minnesota, Hoherz recorded a score of 383.50 on the 3 meter, good for third in the school’s history. He also came up second against an Olympic silver medalist on Nov. 3, finishing with a career best score of 387.50 on the 3 meter. On Oct. 11, Hoherz earned Big Ten Diver and Freshman of the Week honors.

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Swimmer Daniel Swanepoel has made a big impact on Hawkeye relays. He was part of the winning 200-medley relay against No. 23 Purdue on Nov. 3, and he also has a win in the 100 IM from the first meet in early October.

Jacob Rosenkoetter and Tom Schab took home a win as part of the men’s 200-freestyle relay against Michigan State on Oct. 5 and 6, while diver Jonaton Posligua posted NCAA diving standards.

On the women’s side, diver Jayah Mathews won the 1-meter dive competition against No. 16 Purdue. On Nov. 1, she was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for her performance against Minnesota, and she holds the team-best NCAA Zone Standard of 315.00 for the season.

Other members of the freshman class are Jackson Kuhlers, Thomas Pederson, Alex Streightiff, Kelsey Drake, Mallory Fox, Morgan Grout, Lexi Horner, Sage Ohlensehlen, Claire Park, and Sarah Schemmel.

Sophomore swimmer Hannah Burvill is excited about the new members stepping up in practice and competing hard.

“They’re bringing a lot of energy definitely; they contribute a lot,” she said. “I like how they speak up in team meetings and stuff. I was always the scared freshman who didn’t say anything. They’re bringing a lot of talent too, which is helpful. They’re good.”

Last season, the Hawkeyes came up short of their goal to qualify for the NCAAs. With a strong team forming and the freshman being in the middle of that, their eyes are once again set on some big goals.