TIFFIN, Ohio – The Heidelberg University Swim team is ready to dive into the 2025-26 season, marking its third season as a varsity program. 

Under the leadership of Head Coach Ben Rath and Assistant Coach Brooke Dobrzanski, the program has continued its steady growth in performance since its 2022 debut. This season, the Student Princes showcase a young and eager roster: 13 freshman, nine sophomores, and five juniors. 

THE COACHES
Head Coach Ben Rath returns for his third season at the helm, bringing a strong foundation of experience and a clear vision for the program's future growth. Before coming to Heidelberg, Rath successfully launched the swim program at Bluffton University and previously served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of Findlay. During his time as an athlete, Rath was a five-time conference champion and the 2017 Great Midwest Conference Athlete of the Year, and still holds three conference records.

Assistant Coach Brooke Dobrzanski returns for her third season alongside Rath. In 2024–25, she helped lead the women's team to their first-ever win over Hiram, a sixth-place finish at the OAC Championships, and Scholar All-America Team honors. The previous season, she contributed to Heidelberg's first victory over Bluffton and helped guide Elli Mayer to All-OAC recognition.

A Monroe, Mich. native, Dobrzanski swam for four years at Notre Dame College, graduating in 2023. She earned 13 All-MEC honors, including First Team recognition in the 200 freestyle relay. Her coaching background includes middle school coaching and instructing at the University of Florida's Swim Camp.

THE ROSTER
Heidelberg University welcomes 13 new swimmers to the team for the upcoming season, including 10 women and 3 men who will contribute to the program's continued success.

Returning sophomores include Delaney Buxton, Lily Clark, Virginia Dabrunz, Haley Damron, Riley Mullin, Maria Sweatt, Casey Daniel, Evan Eaglin, and Lance Koch.

With a strong core of juniors and no seniors on the roster, Heidelberg's swimming program is focused on building momentum with a young and developing squad. Leading the way are juniors Cassy Connare, Elli Mayer, Nora Uhl, Zach MacDonald, and Conor Trotter — all of whom have been with the program since its beginning.

"As we enter the third season in Heidelberg University Swimming history, the excitement and momentum surrounding our program have never been higher. Each year, we continue to grow — not only in numbers, but in competitiveness, culture, and commitment to excellence," said Rath. "Our student-athletes have embraced the challenge of building a young program from the ground up, and their dedication is laying the foundation for long-term success. With strong leadership from our returners and the enthusiasm of our incoming class, this season promises to be a defining step forward for Heidelberg Swimming."

THE SCHEDULE
The Student Princes open up their 2025-24 season on Friday Oct. 17 at Ohio Wesleyan University, eager to get back in the water for competition. Their home opener will take place on Oct. 25 at the YMCA in Tiffin. The OAC Championships will be hosted at the University of Akron on Feb. 18-21.

"We look forward to representing the university with pride and continuing to set the standard for what this program can achieve," said Rath.

FOLLOW
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Instagram: @bergswimming 
Facebook: Heidelberg University Swimming