IU swimmer Paegle ready 'to take it all in' in last trip to NCAAs

Bloomington South grad and former state champ Kristina Paegle looking to add to her 20 All-America honors this week in Atlanta

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:18pm

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After four years at Indiana, Bloomington South graduate Kristina Paegle is headed to her last NCAA National Championships this week in Atlanta. Paegle, who has earned 20 All-America honors during her college career, is looking to make the most of her final collegiate meet and soak in the experience with her teammates.

Why it matters

Paegle's journey at Indiana showcases the dedication and growth required to become one of the top swimmers in the country. Her story highlights the bittersweet transition from college athlete to life after swimming, as well as the lasting impact of the team culture and mentorship she experienced.

The details

Paegle, a marketing major, has qualified individually in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. She is also set to swim with the 200 and 400 free relay groups, as well as the 200 medley relay. Paegle has faced challenges during her time at Indiana, including battling mononucleosis last summer, but has learned to be resilient and rediscover her love for the sport.

  • Paegle will compete in her final NCAA National Championships this week in Atlanta.
  • Paegle helped IU to a seventh-place finish, its best since 2016, during her freshman year in 2023.

The players

Kristina Paegle

A Bloomington South graduate and former state champion swimmer who is now a senior at Indiana University. Paegle has earned 20 All-America honors during her college career and is looking to make the most of her final NCAA meet.

John Long

An assistant coach at Indiana University who has worked with Paegle on improving her stroke technique and race analysis.

Lukas Paegle

Kristina Paegle's younger brother, who is also a college swimmer and has been able to train and compete alongside his sister during her final year at Indiana.

David Kovacs

Another former Bloomington South swimmer who is headed to the men's NCAA National Championships in the 100 and 200 backstrokes and 400 individual medley.

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What they’re saying

“It definitely flew by really, really fast. It's so sad. I wish I could stay in college forever. It's really, really special. Being a part of a big team feels like second family all the time. We're all so close. It's just special.”

— Kristina Paegle (Yahoo Sports)

“I learned a lot about how to be resilient. To get through the lowest lows. I also learned how to really to not think as much and just race. Especially with the girls I train with, we're just always racing, no matter what.”

— Kristina Paegle (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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