Schmidt, divers move Auburn up the leaderboard at SECs

The Auburn Tigers have made waves at the 2025 SEC Swimming and Diving Championships, showing impressive form in both the pool and on the diving boards. Leading the charge has been standout swimmer Carson Schmidt, whose stunning performances in individual events have been complemented by a series of impressive diving results. The collective effort has seen Auburn rise up the leaderboard, positioning themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the conference.

The SEC Championships, held from February 19-22, 2025, in Auburn’s home pool, have proven to be a thrilling battleground, with high-caliber performances from athletes across the Southeastern Conference. For Auburn, however, it was a combination of Schmidt’s dominance in the freestyle events and the contributions from their diving team that stood out. The Tigers’ ability to score points across various disciplines has allowed them to climb the rankings in both men’s and women’s events, solidifying their position among the elite programs in the SEC.

Schmidt Shines in Freestyle Events

Auburn’s Carson Schmidt has been a key player in the team’s impressive showing at the SEC Championships. Schmidt, who had already established himself as one of the top freestyle swimmers in the nation, further cemented his status with multiple podium finishes.

The highlight of Schmidt’s week came in the 200-yard freestyle, where he posted a blistering time of 1:32.43, securing a gold medal and earning vital points for the Tigers. Schmidt’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as he battled through stiff competition from swimmers across the SEC, showcasing his signature burst of speed in the final 50 yards. His ability to close out the race under pressure speaks volumes about his mental toughness and elite level of preparation.

“I’m proud of the way I swam today,” Schmidt said after the race. “It wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to give it my all. The team has been incredible all week, and we’ve been feeding off each other’s energy. It feels great to bring this gold home.”

In addition to his victory in the 200-yard freestyle, Schmidt also excelled in the 100-yard freestyle, where he earned a silver medal with a time of 42.12 seconds. Though he fell short of securing the top spot, Schmidt’s performance in the 100 freestyle was still a strong display of his versatility, as he competed against some of the best sprinters in the country. His 100 free swim was a near-perfect race that saw him battle neck-and-neck with his opponents throughout the entire distance, only losing out by a fraction of a second.

Schmidt’s 200-yard freestyle gold and silver in the 100-yard freestyle were vital in helping Auburn climb the standings, especially given the strength of the competition. The team’s ability to score points in these highly competitive events showed that Auburn’s swimming program has the depth and talent needed to compete for titles at the national level.

Auburn’s Divers Deliver Big Performances

While Schmidt’s triumphs in the freestyle events were undoubtedly significant, Auburn’s divers have also played a pivotal role in moving the Tigers up the leaderboard at the SEC Championships. Auburn has long been known for its strong diving program, and the performances from their divers in 2025 have been no exception.

Junior diver Tyler Hall led the charge for Auburn on the men’s side, putting together a standout performance in the 3-meter springboard event. Hall’s dives were executed with precision and style, culminating in a total score of 470.15 points, which earned him a bronze medal. His ability to handle the pressure of such a high-stakes event was evident, as his final dive—a perfectly timed inward 2 ½ somersault—sent the crowd into a frenzy.

“It’s a surreal feeling to step up on the podium alongside some of the best divers in the SEC,” Hall said. “I’ve worked hard all season for this, and I couldn’t be happier with the way things went today. I’m excited to see what the rest of the meet holds for us.”

Hall’s performance in the 3-meter was complemented by strong finishes from his teammates in other diving events. Senior diver Josh Robertson posted a season-best score of 335.20 points in the 1-meter springboard event, which earned him a fourth-place finish. Robertson’s consistency throughout the week of competition, including his stellar 1-meter dive, was crucial to Auburn’s overall performance.

On the women’s side, senior diver Madison Cole has been a key contributor for Auburn, particularly in the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard events. Cole delivered a clutch performance in the 3-meter event, finishing in second place with a score of 376.10. Her dives were technically flawless, showcasing her experience and high-level skill. For Cole, the podium finish was an important milestone in what could be her final SEC Championships, and it contributed significantly to Auburn’s total points.

“Every dive counts, and I’ve learned to really focus on the process rather than the results,” Cole said. “The team’s energy has been incredible, and I think it really helped me put together my best performance yet.”

Auburn’s divers, led by Hall and Cole, delivered crucial performances that helped the Tigers gain valuable points and propel them up the leaderboard. The diving team’s ability to complement the swimmers’ efforts shows the depth of talent within the Auburn program, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the SEC.

Teamwork and Depth: Auburn’s Secret Weapon

One of the most impressive aspects of Auburn’s performance at the 2025 SEC Championships has been their depth across all events. While Schmidt’s individual accomplishments were pivotal in moving Auburn up the rankings, the team’s success has been rooted in the contributions from a variety of athletes in multiple disciplines.

In addition to Schmidt’s stellar freestyle performances and the diving team’s strong finishes, Auburn swimmers like sophomore Blake Martin, junior Elizabeth Reynolds, and senior Caroline McCarthy all contributed key finishes that added up to Auburn’s success. Martin’s strong showing in the 200-yard backstroke and Reynolds’ strong swim in the 400-yard individual medley helped bolster Auburn’s point total.

Auburn head coach Gary Taylor was quick to credit his team’s unity and focus throughout the meet. “We’ve been talking all season about how important it is to work together as a team,” Taylor said. “It’s not just about the individual moments, but how everyone can contribute to the collective success. That’s what we’ve seen this week, and it’s been amazing to watch. Carson Schmidt has been a leader for us in the pool, and the divers have been nothing short of outstanding.”

Auburn’s ability to score points consistently across various events has allowed them to remain in the thick of the competition, and their depth has been a key factor in their rise up the leaderboard. The Tigers have proven that they are not just a one-dimensional team, but one with talent in every event and discipline.

A Strong Finish in the Relays

As the championships neared their conclusion, Auburn’s relay teams came through with strong performances, adding crucial points to the overall tally. The men’s 400-yard freestyle relay team, anchored by Schmidt, surged to a third-place finish with a time of 2:48.57. The women’s 400-yard freestyle relay team also performed admirably, securing a fourth-place finish in a highly competitive race.

Both relay teams showcased the Tigers’ ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, with each team member contributing to the success of the squad. Relay events often serve as a defining moment in any championship, and Auburn’s performances proved that they are a well-rounded team with the ability to rise to the occasion when it counts most.

Looking Ahead: Auburn’s Bright Future

With the SEC Championships wrapping up, Auburn’s success has not only elevated them in the standings but also set them up for an exciting postseason. As they head into the NCAA Championships, the Tigers will look to carry the momentum from their strong performance in the SECs, with key athletes like Schmidt, Hall, Cole, and the relay teams all poised for continued success.

“The SEC Championships have been a huge confidence boost for us,” Schmidt said. “We’ve proven that we can compete with the best, and now we’re ready to take that next step on the national stage.”

With a talented roster and a winning mindset, Auburn is in prime position to challenge for top honors at the NCAA Championships. The combination of standout individual performances and a collective team effort has the Tigers in a strong position to bring home even more hardware this season.