University of Mary senior Maria Strong earned Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Swimmer of the Week honors following performances at the Knight Invite in Jamestown, N.D. Strong captured the award for the first time of her career after collecting four individual victories and four relay wins as the Marauders outscored the University of Jamestown (231-43) and the University of Sioux Falls (178-83) in duals.

Strong, who hails from Overland Park, Kan., took the 50 freestyle (24.12), 100 backstroke (59.81), 100 freestyle (54.24) and 100 butterfly (59.07) for UMary. She also was a part of winning 200 medley relay (1:49.30), 200 freestyle relay (1:38.12), 400 medley relay (4:03.21) and 400 freestyle relay (3:40.85) squads. Her 23.75 split in the 200 freestyle relay is the fastest 50 freestyle in the NSIC so far this season.

The performances have Strong ranked among the conference leaders just into the start of the season. In addition to that 50 freestyle split, she ranks fourth in the NSIC in the 100 butterfly, fifth in the 100 backstroke and ninth in the 100 freestyle.

Strong entered the season as UMary’s NSIC Athlete to Watch after ranking in the top five in all three of her individual events at the 2026 NSIC Championships. The 2027 NSIC Championships are slated for February 10-13 in West Fargo, N.D., and Strong will look to build on last season’s runner-up finish in the 100 butterfly.

UMary’s next meet will be November 6-7 against Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Written by

Lakshya