This year’s senior class for ISU swimming and diving boasts a number of decorated individuals, but individual glory always comes second behind team success.

If Iowa State wins at Kansas in two weeks, the Cyclones will tie a single-season dual meet record for wins. Regardless of whether or not the team can achieve that tie, it will combine its success with individual achievements to add up to a strong team season.

There are eight seniors on the roster, all of which have contributed to this season in some manner. Some of these individuals stick out due to their individual success and others for their leadership contributions. 

Three members of the senior class who have contributed to a 7-3 record discussed the process they have gone through during the last four years. They spoke on past and future experiences as the season comes to a close.

Elizabeth Kleiner, Ali Stearns and Bre Loeschke shared their perspectives on an adventure ending at Iowa State.

Kleiner specialized in the butterfly and freestyle events at Iowa State. The majority of Kleiner’s most memorable moments are tied to her Big 12 championship appearances.

“Getting third at Big 12s last year was pretty major just because that was a huge goal we’ve been working toward for as long as this program has been a thing even,” Kleiner said. “We’ve never placed that high. I think that was just a really big deal for us.”

Stearns has had success at the Big 12 tournament also, earning spots on the podium multiple times, as well as competing as a member of last year’s third-place squad. Stearns specifically enjoyed scoping out the teams she was a part of each year and the connection that followed.

“It’s cool seeing every year how our team has changed with the new people and different personalities, and how we’ve figured out how to work together,” Stearns said.

Different personalities and personnel coming together for a greater result is a quality the team has aspired to during every season.

Molding as an individual is a part of the collegiate experience and Loeschke said she feels that she has accomplished a lot throughout her time at Iowa State.

“I think I just really grew as a person and developed as a student and an athlete,” Loeschke said. “It’s just a family here at Iowa State and you really learn about hard work and the importance of academics. It was just a great experience.”

Iowa State has Kansas remaining on the dual meet schedule, then the conference championship and nationals to follow.

“It’s really exciting because we get to see the team come together after all the work we’ve put in this year and being at the top of the food chain,” Kleiner said. “It’s really rewarding and it will be nice to see at Big 12s all of our hard work pay off.”