Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University’s swimming and diving program received recognition from the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) after its first meet of the 2025-26 season. Three athletes earned weekly honors for their performances against Missouri State.

Alex Cimera was named MVC Men's Swimmer of the Week. He scored 28 points at the Missouri State meet, leading all Saluki men and ranking second among male competitors overall. Cimera participated in six events, securing first place in five. His individual wins included the men's 200-yard freestyle and two men's 100-yard freestyle races. He also contributed to victories in both the men's 400-yard medley relay and the men's 400-yard freestyle relay. This is Cimera's first time receiving this recognition from the conference.

"This is a much deserved accolade for Alex beginning his senior season," said head coach Geoff Hanson. "He's truly a great leader for our young men's team, and we will rely on him all season in many different ways. Very happy for him."

Liseska Gallegos Gutierrez earned MVC Women's Swimmer of the Week honors following her performance that helped SIU's women's team secure a win over Missouri State with a score of 260.5-181.5. Gallegos finished first in every event she entered, including individual victories in the 200-yard backstroke and 100-yard backstroke, as well as being part of winning teams in four relay events: the 400-yard medley relay, 200-yard freestyle relay, 200-yard medley relay, and 400-yard freestyle relay. This marks her first career Swimmer of the Week award after previously being named MVC Women's Freshman of the Year.

"Liseska is picking up right where she left off as the MVC Freshman of the Year last spring," Coach Hanson said. "She's got big goals this season and this first meet showed she is capable of competing at the highest level."

Freshman Lívia Munkácsi-Nagy made an impact in her collegiate debut by earning MVC Women's Freshman of the Week honors. Competing in four individual events, she won three—1000-yard freestyle, 400-yard IM, and 500-yard freestyle—and placed second in the 200-yard backstroke. She also swam on SIU’s “A” team that won the women’s 400-yard freestyle relay, finishing with a total of 31 points across two days—the second-highest point total at the meet.

"Fantastic debut for Livia in her first college meet," Coach Hanson said. "She has shown many good things early in this season of training, and we saw her potential in her first opportunity to compete."

The Southern Illinois swim and dive teams will compete again on Friday, October 10th against UIC.

Fans can follow updates about Southern Illinois University swimming and diving through their social media channels or by downloading their mobile app from major app stores.