Pirates Welcome Nine Newcomers Ahead of 2025-26 Season

GREENVILLE, N.C. – The East Carolina women's swimming and diving has officially announced nine newcomers, consisting of seven swimmers and two divers, that will join the Pirates ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Eighth-year head coach Matthew Jabs and his staff are set to welcome eight freshmen and one transfer in the fall of 2025. The new class of Pirates are Lilou Alzaix, Cecilia Bragantini, Campbell Chandler, Riley Hawkins, Romina Hernandez, Alyssa Jackson, Tanith Mueller, Peyton Scott and Anna Zlota.

The American Conference will also add Liberty, Marshall and James Madison to the championship meet Feb. 18-21 in Greensboro.

"As our conference grows, we must continue to recruit high level talent that meets and exceeds our competition," Jabs said. "I believe the American will be a highly competitive, exciting swimming and diving conference and we want to be in the mix at the top each and every year. I am very appreciative of Coach Platts, McIntire, and Watson's effort to identify smart, talented ladies that fit our program and will help us achieve our goals. If we can compete to our potential, there is an opportunity for this group to be very special."

Lilou Alzaix – Fr. – Luzillat, France (Stade Clermont Natation)
Before ECU: Was a two-time bronze medalist at the 2024 Junior French Championships.

Personal: Daughter of Anne and Stephane, sister to Lea, & Florian.

Coach Jabs on Alzaix: "Lilou is a very talented swimmer with high-level meet experience. As a freshman, I believe she can have an immediate impact on the team and will push our top swimmers in her events."

Cecilia Bragantini – Fr. – Verona, Italy (Istituto Seghetti)
Before ECU: National Championship finalist as a diver.

Personal: Daughter of Laura and Cristian ... sister to Tommaso.

Coach Jabs on Bragantini: "As a National Championship finalist diver, Cecilia should come in and have an immediate impact making ECU diving one of the stronger teams in the conference."

Campbell Chandler – Fr. – White Marsh, Md. (Eastern Technical)
Before ECU: Junior National and Futures qualifier ... top three finisher in the 100/200 backstroke at Maryland State Championships.

Personal: Daughter of Lisa and John, sister to Brynn and Tessa.

Coach Jabs on Chandler: "Campbell is a versatile swimmer who will add needed depth in the backstroke and fly events. She is a strong athlete who I believe will develop nicely in our program and will have an opportunity to make an impact as a freshman."

Riley Hawkins – Fr. – Raleigh, N.C. (Leesville Road)
Personal: Daughter of Stephanie and Eric.

Coach Jabs on Hawkins: "We are excited to add Riley to the team. She's one of 3 in this class from right down the road in Raleigh. As a distance swimmer, we look for her to carve out a spot in those events and be a contributing member of the team as freshman."

Romina Hernandez – Fr. – Monterrey, Mexico (Preparatoria 16)
Personal: Daughter of Sandra and Ricardo ... Sister to Rodrigo, Rogelio.

Coach Jabs on Hernandez: "Coach McIntire continues to add high end talent to the diving group. We are excited to welcome Romina to the team, as a former National Champion I believe she will push everyone in the group and have an opportunity to be near the top of the depth chart very quickly."

Alyssa Jackson – So. – Raleigh, N.C. (UNC Asheville)
Before ECU: Transfer from UNC Asheville … Three-time Futures qualifier … Holds the UNC Asheville freshman record in the 100 IM (58.15) … Posted a personal best of 1:03.18 in the 100 breaststroke at mid-season during the 2024 collegiate season … Achieved a U.S. Open cut in the 100 breaststroke (1:12.83 LCM) at the 2024 Futures Championship … Won the 100 breaststroke at high school regionals as a junior … While competing for the TAC Titans in high school, recorded best times of 2:18.91 in the 200 breaststroke and 2:06.13 in the 200 IM … Earned All-America and Scholastic All-American honors in high school

Personal: Daughter of Stacy and Ryan ... Sister to Davis.

Coach Jabs on Jackson: "Alyssa is joining us from UNC Asheville. I believe there is a lot of potential with Alyssa, she will have an opportunity to show us what she can do in the breaststroke events and earn her role on the team."

Tanith Mueller – Fr. – Apex, N.C. (Apex)
Before ECU: NCSHAA All American and Junior National Qualifier.

Personal: Daughter of Nicole, and Kevin, sister to Samantha and Xander.

Coach Jabs on Mueller: "One of the most talented in the class. Tanith had an amazing season last year; she continues to get faster, and I believe there is a lot more to come. She will compete for the top spot in our fly events, along with the 400IM. Excited to see what she can accomplish as a Pirate."

Peyton Scott – Fr. – Indiana, Pa. (Indiana Senior)
Before ECU: 2-time WPIAL Champion, 2-time PIAA State Champion, 4-time YMCA Short Course National A finalist ... High school All American, 2-time US Open Qualifier.

Personal: Daughter of Carli and Joe.

Coach Jabs on Scott: "Peyton will come in with a chance to take the top sprint breaststroke spot on the roster as a freshman. We look forward to seeing how she can contribute not only in her individual events but on relays as well."

Anna Zlota – Fr. – Budapest, Hungary (Verez Palne)
Before ECU: Hungarian Nationals qualifier, semifinalist 200 Butterfly and 200 IM ... Junior National Qualifier and championship finalist in 200IM, 200 Butterfly, 200 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly.

Personal: Daughter of Veronika and Zsolt ... Sister to Emma.

Coach Jabs on Ziota: "Anna was one of our first signees. She's a very talented and versatile swimmer we expect to have an impact in the IM, fly, and freestyle events."

Players Mentioned

Lilou Alzaix

Cecilia Bragantini

Campbell Chandler

Riley Hawkins

Romina Hernandez

Alyssa Jackson

Tanith Mueller

Peyton Scott

Anna Zlota

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