Midland ISD swimmers shine at UIL state swim and dive meet

Seven MISD athletes qualify for state competition after strong regional performances

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Midland ISD swimmers and divers had an impressive showing at the Region I-6A Swimming and Diving Championships, with seven athletes qualifying for the UIL state meet. Highlights include Texas A&M-bound senior Hannah Krueger winning two regional titles, junior David Sites qualifying for state in two individual events, and sophomore Risa Soda earning a state berth in diving.

Why it matters

The strong regional performances by MISD swimmers and divers showcase the depth and talent of the district's aquatics programs. Qualifying multiple athletes for the state meet is a significant achievement that highlights the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes and their coaches.

The details

At the regional meet, Krueger won the girls 200-yard freestyle and 100 freestyle, while Sites took first in the boys 100 backstroke and second in the 100 butterfly. Other MISD state qualifiers include Lainey Gloden (girls 100 backstroke), Risa Soda (girls diving), and the boys 400 freestyle relay team of David Fuentes, Jacob Bladen, Ryan Chandler, and Sites.

  • The Region I-6A Swimming and Diving Championships were held on Friday and Saturday, February 7-8, 2026.
  • The UIL Class 6A state meet will take place on February 20-21, 2026 in Austin.

The players

Hannah Krueger

A senior at Midland High School and Texas A&M signee, Krueger won the girls 200-yard freestyle and 100 freestyle at the regional meet, qualifying for her fourth consecutive UIL state meet.

David Sites

A junior at Legacy High School, Sites won the boys 100-yard backstroke and placed second in the 100 butterfly, also qualifying for the state meet in both events.

Risa Soda

A sophomore at Legacy High School, Soda finished second in the girls 1-meter diving regional championship, earning a spot at the UIL state meet.

Lainey Gloden

A senior at Legacy High School, Gloden placed second in the girls 100-yard backstroke, qualifying for her second consecutive state meet.

Steve Flato

The Midland ISD swim coach, Flato praised his athletes' performances and said the team is ready for the state meet.

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What they’re saying

“That was exactly what I was hoping to happen. I know it took a lot of training, a lot of work and dedication from my coaches and my teammates, too. It's a whole team effort. I'm just glad this is the way it turned out.”

— Hannah Krueger, Senior, Midland High School (mrt.com)

“I had been looking forward to it for two weeks, since district. I knew we were going to have some fast people coming and I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I stood up to it. I do what I usually do and I prevailed.”

— David Sites, Junior, Legacy High School (mrt.com)

“We've been training really hard and I'm really proud of everyone. We've been doing great, putting in the work, showing up. We all deserve everything that we got today. I'm really proud of them.”

— Lainey Gloden, Senior, Legacy High School (mrt.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.