Augustana Women's Swim Team Climbs to Third at NSIC Championships

Vikings demonstrate strength across multiple events on day three of competition

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Augustana University women's swimming and diving team made significant progress on day three of the NSIC Championships, climbing to third place with 424 total points. The Vikings showcased their depth and versatility, with standout performances in backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle, and relay events.

Why it matters

Augustana's strong showing highlights the growing competitiveness of mid-major swimming and diving programs, as well as the importance of relay events and individual versatility in achieving championship success.

The details

Augustana swimmers excelled in the 100-meter backstroke, with Gracin Larson finishing fourth and Ella Ward-Zeller earning sixth place. In breaststroke, Ava Brogren placed fourth in the 100-meter event, and Jisella Haskamp finished eighth. Sofia Ospina reached the A-Final in the 200-meter butterfly, while Margaret Reed earned a spot in the 500-meter freestyle A-Final. The Vikings also had a strong performance in the 200-meter freestyle relay, finishing fourth.

  • The NSIC Championships are being held from February 12-15, 2026 in Fargo, North Dakota.
  • The competition will conclude on Saturday, February 15th, with preliminary heats at 10 a.m. and finals at 5 p.m.

The players

Augustana University

A Division II university located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, known for its strong athletics programs, including the women's swimming and diving team.

Gracin Larson

An Augustana swimmer who finished fourth in the 100-meter backstroke.

Ella Ward-Zeller

An Augustana swimmer who finished sixth in the 100-meter backstroke.

Ava Brogren

An Augustana swimmer who finished fourth in the 100-meter breaststroke.

Jisella Haskamp

An Augustana swimmer who finished eighth in the 100-meter breaststroke.

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What’s next

The NSIC Championships will conclude on Saturday, February 15th, with preliminary heats at 10 a.m. and finals at 5 p.m. Augustana will aim to build on its momentum and potentially challenge for a higher overall finish.

The takeaway

Augustana's strong performance at the NSIC Championships showcases the growing competitiveness of mid-major swimming and diving programs, as well as the importance of relay events and individual versatility in achieving championship success.