The Southeastern Conference announced on Apr. 15 that Texas Longhorns Women’s Swimming and Diving Head Coach Carol Capitani has been named Women’s Swimming Coach of the Year, with her team earning a total of 20 selections across the All-SEC and Freshman teams.
The announcement highlights the team’s achievements at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. The recognition includes athletes selected for First, Second, and Third All-SEC Teams based on their finishes at the SEC Championships, as well as an All-Freshman Team comprised of top-performing freshmen in individual events.
During this season’s SEC Championships, Capitani led Texas to its second consecutive SEC title and secured the program’s 38th overall conference championship. Since Capitani became head coach, Texas has won 14 straight conference titles—12 in the Big 12 Conference followed by two in the SEC. At this year’s championships, Longhorn swimmers earned a total of 21 medals: seven gold, ten silver, and four bronze.
At a national level, Texas finished third at the 2026 NCAA Championships. The team celebrated two individual national champions: Jillian Cox in the 1650 freestyle and Campbell Stoll in the 200 butterfly. Twelve Longhorns received All-America honors across various events while eight others were recognized with Honorable Mention status. Under Capitani’s leadership, Texas has consistently placed among the top three teams nationally for six consecutive years—the longest such streak since their run from 1990 to 1995.
First Team honorees include Campbell Chase, Angie Coe, Jillian Cox, Erin Gemmell, Lillie Nesty, Eva Okaro, Nikolett Padar and Campbell Stoll. Second Team members are Bayleigh Cranford, Piper Enge, Alejandra Estudillo, Emma Kern and Sarah Rodrigues; Third Team members are Alexa Fulton, Kate Hurst and Lucy Mehraban. The All-Freshman Team features Haley McDonald along with Okaro, Padar and Rodrigues.
The results mark another milestone for both Capitani’s coaching career and for Texas Women’s Swimming & Diving as they continue to build on their legacy.
