November 11, 2026 | Swimming & Diving
NEWS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois swim and dive head coach Jeana Kempe announced the addition of eight incoming Illini to her 2027 signing class on Wednesday (Nov. 11).
"We are thrilled to welcome this group to the Illini FamILLy," said Kempe. "They are great women with wonderful families. This group is one of the most decorated classes we've signed to date. We look forward to welcoming them to Champaign next fall."
ASHLYN BOLYARD I OVERLAND PARK, KAN.
Notes: Summer Junior Nationals 2026 finals qualifier in 100 backstroke US Open cut… Relay team placed third in the 400 medley relay… At Spring Sectionals 2026, bronze in the 100 butterfly and U.S. Open cut in the 200 Backstroke… State champion in 100 butterfly and second in 100 backstroke… two-time All-State.
Why Illinois: "As soon as I visited Illinois, I knew it felt like home. Coach Jeana is such an empowering and driven coach that I know will help guide me towards my goals."
SERENA DICKEY I MOUNTAIN LAKES, N.J.
Notes: Swimswam class of 2027 "Best of the Rest"… YMCA National Champion… 2025-2026 NISCA Swimming All-America Top 100 performance for 200 IM… Four-time Scholastic All-American… Four-time First-Team All-Northeast Jersey Athletic Conference.
Why Illinois: "I chose UIUC because it offers the perfect balance of strong academics and competitive swimming, in addition to an amazing team atmosphere. As soon as I visited campus and got to know the team and program better, I knew it would be the perfect place for me to grow as a student and an athlete, while having incredible support from the people around me. I'm excited to continue my academic and athletic journey as an Illini!"
REILLY LEFSRUD | MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA
Notes: Canada Summer Games 3x silver medalist… Multi-time provincial champion, Jeux de Quebec 4x gold medalist… Two-time open water provincial champion… MVP for varsity swimming 2024-26… Most improved club swimming award 2024.
Why Illinois: "I chose Illinois because of the great school environment and the athletic program."
LULU NEGRO I SAINT CHARLES, ILL.
Notes: Junior National qualifier… TYR Futures qualifier… 14-time IHSA State qualifier… 400 Free Relay IHSA State Champion… All-American.
Why Illinois: "It's an amazing school with a stunning campus and the coaches are some of the best people I've met."
SIMRAN RAKHRA I SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Notes: Provincial champion… National finalist… Canada games finalist.
Why Illinois: "I love the program, my teammates and coaches."
MARIA RAPONI I TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA
Notes: 2026 ON Provincial Champion on platform… Seventh place on platform at the 2026 Canadian Diving Junior National… Five-time Canadian Diving Junior Nationals qualifier.
Why Illinois: "I chose Illinois because of the incredible support student-athletes receive, both in the classroom and in the pool. Additionally, the coaches and team have created such a positive and welcoming environment."
SLOANE ROCHA I SPRING, TEXAS
Notes: Junior National qualifier, Futures Finalist, U.S. Open qualifier, Region 4 first place 100 breaststroke (1:01.84), 6A State finalist and runner-up, 2026 First Team All-State for 100 breaststroke, 2025 Second Team All-State for 100 breaststroke.
Why Illinois: "I chose Illinois for many reasons. I loved the team and coaching staff and could see it as a great place for me to grow and thrive not only as an athlete but also as a person. I also really liked the campus and was impressed by the engineering programs."
OLIVIA SYKES I CHALFONT ST GILES, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, ENGLAND
Notes: Regionals 2026 – second… Nationals (Next Generation Championships) 2026 – fifth… 345, 9 dive list on one meter… 380, 9 dive list on three meter.
Why Illinois: "I chose Illinois because of the supportive team culture and the impressive economics department."
