Springfield Standard

The Missouri State swimming and diving team has announced the addition of seven new athletes to its 2026-27 roster. Head coach Dave Collins introduced the incoming group on Wednesday.

The men's team will add Reece Pangburn from Jenks High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Elias Mendez from Stillwater High School in Stillwater, Oklahoma; and Ethan Nguyen from Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The women's team will welcome Macie Kunz from Wesclin High School in Trenton, Illinois; Brylie Ray from Rockwall High School in Rockwall, Texas; Laurel Hunter from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama; and Lauren Konarske from Verona Area High School in Verona, Wisconsin.

Collins commented on the new signings: "Our staff is very excited with the group we have signing with us today. A lot of time and effort went into identifying talented and motivated student-athletes that we feel can come in and continue a tradition of success in the pool and the classroom. This class has the ability to make an immediate impact as soon as they get to campus."

Pangburn competes for Jenks High School under coach Mitch Wagner and also swims for Seahawks Swim Club. He contributed to his team's state championship win as a sophomore by breaking a relay record, later setting records in breaststroke and butterfly events.

Mendez represents Stillwater High School under coach Angela Knott and King Marlin swim club. He has earned multiple individual honors including state champion status, school records, national qualifications, all-city first team selection (The Oklahoman), USA Swimming Scholastic All American recognition, All World First Team (Tulsa World), and was nominated for Oklahoma - USA Today Metro sports award swimmer of the year 2025.

Nguyen swims at Fayetteville High School under coach Dylan Duncan and Northwest Arkansas Aquatics Sharks. He has broken several school records both individually and as part of relays. His achievements include top placements at conference meets, recognition by Arkansas All Preps as a Top 10 swimmer statewide, and victories at state competitions.

Kunz competes for Wesclin High School’s swimming team as well as Seahawks Swim Club. She has qualified for sectionals since her freshman year and achieved Futures Cut times along with multiple state qualifying performances during her high school career.

Ray swims for Rockwall High School’s team alongside Rockwall Aquatic Center of Excellence. She has consistently qualified for state events across various relays and individual races while earning TISCA All-State honors each year along with Academic All-American distinctions.

Hunter is part of James Clemens High School's swimming and diving program while also competing with Huntsville Dive Association. She holds high school records on both 1-meter and 3-meter dives, qualified for State Games of America, AAU nationals, USA Zones competitions, received varsity letters each season, and placed highly at state meets.

Konarske represents Verona Area High School’s swim team as well as Mcfarland Swim Club. Her high school career includes several podium finishes at invitational meets, sectionals, conference championships—culminating with an All-State honor in the 100-yard breaststroke event during her junior year.