University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Erokhina Named MPSF Swimmer of the Year; Ebeling Earns Coach of the Year Honors
4/2/2026 10:02:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado swimming & diving program earned historic recognition from the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, highlighted by Maria Erokhina being named the 2026 MPSF Swimmer of the Year and head coach Lisa Ebeling earning MPSF Swimming Coach of the Year honors. The awards mark the first time in program history that Northern Colorado has claimed MPSF annual honors.
Erokhina, a senior from Paphos, Cyprus, delivered a record-breaking season for the Bears, becoming the first swimmer in program history to qualify for the NCAA Championships. She competed in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke events and set the MPSF record in the 100 breast (59.96) while also establishing a facility record. Erokhina captured conference titles in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke, earned a silver medal in the 200 IM, and contributed to MPSF championship performances in the 200 and 400 medley relays. She totaled five First Team All-MPSF honors and broke school records in four events, while also earning two MPSF Athlete of the Week selections during the season.
Under the leadership of Ebeling, Northern Colorado returned to the MPSF in historic fashion, placing third at the conference championships. The Bears secured seven MPSF titles, including individual championships from Erokhina, Kyra Rabess and Ellyson Lombardi, along with three relay victories. UNC's season was highlighted by its first-ever NCAA Championship appearance, while also producing seven school records and a strong showing at the CSCAA National Invitational Championship, where the Bears placed eighth out of 46 teams.
In addition to the major awards, Northern Colorado placed multiple student-athletes on the All-MPSF teams. The Bears earned several First Team honors, including Erokhina (100 breast, 200 breast, 200 IM, relays), Rabess (1650 free, relays), Lombardi (200 fly, relays), Trionfetti (50 free, relays), and Mishler (relay events). UNC also saw strong representation on the Second Team, including performances from Hlaa Diab, Ariane Bernier, Vitoria Simioni, Lora Konter and others across individual and relay events.
The recognition caps off one of the most successful seasons in program history and reinforces Northern Colorado's emergence as a rising force in the MPSF.
SWOMEN CLUB: The Swomen Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Swimming & Diving, providing elite training gear, enhanced nutrition and championship-level travel opportunities. These investments directly support our student-athletes and ensure the Bears are equipped to perform at the highest level.
Give to the Swomen Club today!
FOLLOW THE BEARS: For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the women's swim and dive team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSwim), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSwim_Dive), and Facebook (/UNCOBearsswimdive).
Erokhina, a senior from Paphos, Cyprus, delivered a record-breaking season for the Bears, becoming the first swimmer in program history to qualify for the NCAA Championships. She competed in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke events and set the MPSF record in the 100 breast (59.96) while also establishing a facility record. Erokhina captured conference titles in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke, earned a silver medal in the 200 IM, and contributed to MPSF championship performances in the 200 and 400 medley relays. She totaled five First Team All-MPSF honors and broke school records in four events, while also earning two MPSF Athlete of the Week selections during the season.
Under the leadership of Ebeling, Northern Colorado returned to the MPSF in historic fashion, placing third at the conference championships. The Bears secured seven MPSF titles, including individual championships from Erokhina, Kyra Rabess and Ellyson Lombardi, along with three relay victories. UNC's season was highlighted by its first-ever NCAA Championship appearance, while also producing seven school records and a strong showing at the CSCAA National Invitational Championship, where the Bears placed eighth out of 46 teams.
In addition to the major awards, Northern Colorado placed multiple student-athletes on the All-MPSF teams. The Bears earned several First Team honors, including Erokhina (100 breast, 200 breast, 200 IM, relays), Rabess (1650 free, relays), Lombardi (200 fly, relays), Trionfetti (50 free, relays), and Mishler (relay events). UNC also saw strong representation on the Second Team, including performances from Hlaa Diab, Ariane Bernier, Vitoria Simioni, Lora Konter and others across individual and relay events.
The recognition caps off one of the most successful seasons in program history and reinforces Northern Colorado's emergence as a rising force in the MPSF.
SWOMEN CLUB: The Swomen Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Swimming & Diving, providing elite training gear, enhanced nutrition and championship-level travel opportunities. These investments directly support our student-athletes and ensure the Bears are equipped to perform at the highest level.
Give to the Swomen Club today!
FOLLOW THE BEARS: For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the women's swim and dive team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSwim), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSwim_Dive), and Facebook (/UNCOBearsswimdive).
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
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