Swimming & Diving Adds Two for 2025-26

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros head swimming & diving coach Betsy Graham announced on Thursday the addition of swimmers Marina Johnson and Ava Light for the 2025-26 season.

Marina Johnson – Buzzards Bay, Mass. – Kingfish Swimming

Johnson is in her senior year at Sturgis Charter Public School and currently competes for Kingfish Swimming out of Medfield, Mass.

Johnson boasts short course bests of 28.45 in the 50 backstroke, and 59.86 in the 100 backstroke. In 2024, Johnson earned eight short course personal bests.

In competition, Johnson had 11 top-five finishes with two wins, one in the 100 backstroke and one in the 200 backstroke.

“I am pleased to have Marina join us next year,” Graham said. “She will provide some depth in the backstroke and IM.”

Ava Light – Richmond, Texas – George Ranch High School

Light is in her senior season at George Ranch High School while also competing in club swimming for Sienna Premier Aquatics.

Light boasts short course bests of 31.43 in the 50 breaststroke and a sub-1:07 in the 100 breaststroke.

In 2024, Light won 12 races, with four wins in the 50 breaststroke and three wins in the 100 individual medley. Light earned 10 short course personal bests in 2024, including the 50 and 100 breaststroke times listed above.

Last season, Light qualified for the UIL 6A State Championships as a member of the 200 medley relay and 200 free relay teams for George Ranch.

“I am looking forward to working with Ava next season,” Graham said. “She will be able to help us out in the breaststroke.”