MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee swim & dive member Sam Lorenz is set to compete at the NCAA Championships held at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, Ga.
 
Lorenz is the first Panther male in program history to qualify for the NCAA Championships, racing in two events over the four-day affair. He will compete in the 100 backstroke Friday, Mar. 27, and the 200 backstroke Saturday, Mar. 28.
 
The last Panther swimmer to compete at the NCAA Championships was Emily McClellan in 2014 when she finished runner up in the 100 breaststroke.
 
LAST SEASON
 
Lorenz is in his first season with the Panther swim & dive program and is already solidifying himself as one of the top swimmers to ever wear the Black & Gold. Before coming to Milwaukee, he spent his freshman season at Wisconsin where he was named to the 2025 Big-Ten All-Freshman team and was an NCAA Championship qualifier in the 200 medley relay. His freshman year personal bests as a Badger included marks in the 50 freestyle (20.12), 100 backstroke (46.10), and 200 backstroke (1:42.85).
 
WHY MILWAUKEE
 
When asked about his decision to transfer to Milwaukee, Lorenz attributed it to a mixture of overall distance from family as well as training styles. "I decided to transfer to Milwaukee because it allowed me to be closer to my family while also giving me greater ownership over my training," said Lorenz. "Being closer to home provided a stronger support system, and transferring gave me the opportunity to take more responsibility for shaping my schedule and personal development in a way that better aligns with my long-term athletic goals."
 
A SEASON TO REMEMBER
 
At the Horizon League Championships, Lorenz recorded three individual podium finishes including two championship records. In the 100 backstroke final, he clocked a time of 45.81 which set a new championships record and automatically qualified him for the NCAA Championships. In the 200 backstroke consolation final, he touched the wall first with a championship-record and NCAA-qualifying time of 1:41.60. His final podium finish came in the 50 freestyle where he set a new personal best and program record, taking home third place.
 
In his sophomore campaign, Lorenz finished with eight record-breaking performances. He broke four individual program records coming in the 50 freestyle (19.61), 50 backstroke (20.81), 100 backstroke (45.75), and 200 backstroke (1:41.60). In relay events, Lorenz was also part of four school record efforts. Those came in the 200 freestyle relay (1:19.00), 400 freestyle relay (2:54.93), 200 medley relay (1:26.36), and 400 medley relay (3:09.90).
 
Throughout the season, his dominance was recognized by the league office as well, receiving two Horizon League Men's Swimmer of the Week honors (Oct. 22, 2025, and Nov. 26, 2025).
 
FROM THE COACHES
 
Head coach Kyle Clements and associate head coach Alex Hallam are excited to return to the NCAA Championships. "Sam qualifying for NCAAs as the first male swimmer in program history is such an honor and shows all the hard work we all put into this program to be competitive," said Hallam. "It is great having someone of his caliber on the team and for him to qualify just shows where we are headed as a team."
 
Having a swimmer on the national stage can surely elevate the appeal of Milwaukee swim & dive to future athletes. "I believe we have always strived to be as competitive as possible in the Horizon League, with the ultimate goal of providing an environment which provides a lot of avenues for our members to excel," added Hallam. "Sam now has brought another layer to our program. I believe this shows Milwaukee can be a landing spot for many talented swimmers who want to compete and achieve at a high level on the national stage."
 
When discussing Lorenz's dedication to training, his positive attitude, and his sportsmanship, the coaches did not shy away from his impact on the program. "Sam has come into this team and from day one we could tell he would have an impact," said Hallam. "His presence has elevated our program on many levels. When you have someone like Sam on the team, you feel it, you see it, and build on it."
 
"We have seen not only his continued growth, but the men's team growth as a whole," continued Hallam. "When you get someone like Sam, you want the team to step up with him and they have. It is not just about what Sam does for this team, but what we have seen this team do along with him. You need trail blazers on your team; Sam is that for us."
 
PANTHER PRIDE
 
Lorenz is proud to represent the Black & Gold on the national stage and is excited to gain experience competing at the NCAAs. "It is truly an honor to be the first male swimmer to represent Milwaukee at NCAAs," said Lorenz. "This is a competition that I have wanted to be a part of since I was young. I hope to gain experience competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics. This will allow me to grow as a competitor, athlete, and person on a national stage."