Two-time NCAA ‘B’ finalist Nicole Maier is moving to Florida to train with the Gators Swim Club under Gregg Troy, who is now in his 36th year as head coach. Maier, a native of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, has been a member of the Badger Swim Club in Wisconsin since 2019 and was coached by Yuri Suguiyama, a former US National Team member and Olympic medalist. The move to Florida makes sense for Maier, who has her sights set on the 2024 Paris Olympics. Troy has a proven track record of success at the international level, having coached multiple Olympic medalists, including Caeleb Dressel, Ryan Lochte, and Missy Franklin. Maier will also have the opportunity to train with some of the best swimmers in the world, including Olympic champions Katie Ledecky and Bobby Finke. Maier is a versatile swimmer who excels in both the freestyle and backstroke events. She was a two-time NCAA ‘B’ finalist in the 100-yard backstroke in 2021 and 2022. She also finished third in the 100-yard freestyle at the 2022 Big Ten Championships. Maier is excited about the opportunity to train with Troy and the Gators Swim Club. She believes that the move will help her reach her full potential as a swimmer. “I’m really excited to be moving to Florida and training with Gregg Troy and the Gators Swim Club,” Maier said. “I think this is the best place for me to train and reach my goals. I’m looking forward to working with Gregg and the other swimmers on the team.” Troy is also excited to have Maier join his team. He believes that she has the potential to be one of the best swimmers in the world. “Nicole is a very talented swimmer,” Troy said. “I think she has the potential to be one of the best in the world. I’m looking forward to working with her and helping her reach her goals.”Nicole Maier Joins Florida Gators as Graduate Transfer
Nicole Maier Joins Florida Gators as Graduate Transfer
Nicole Maier, a two-time NCAA Championships finalist in the 400-yard individual medley (IM), has announced her transfer to the University of Florida as a graduate student.
Career Highlights
Maier spent her first four seasons at Miami (Ohio), where she established herself as a versatile swimmer. At the 2024 NCAA Championships, she placed 11th in the 400 IM, 18th in the 500 freestyle, and 22nd in the 100 freestyle. In 2023, she reached the top nine in the 400 IM.
Best Times
Maier boasts impressive best times in various events: * 50 freestyle: 22.39 * 100 freestyle: 47.77 * 200 freestyle: 1:43.90 * 500 freestyle: 4:39.73 * 1650 freestyle: 16:32.64 * 200 IM: 1:56.04 * 400 IM: 4:05.84
Impact on Florida Gators
Maier’s versatility and strong distance/IM performances complement the Gators’ existing roster, which includes distance swimmers Bella Sims, Emma Weyant, and Zoe Dixon. She is also expected to contribute to the team’s sprint relays.
Florida’s Recent Success
Florida placed third at the 2024 NCAA Championships, their highest finish since 2010. Maier’s addition strengthens the team’s position as a top contender in the upcoming season.
Two-time NCAA “B” finalist Nicole Maier is moving to Florida. The distance runner announced her decision via social media on Tuesday. Maier, a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has been a standout athlete at the University of Minnesota. She was a two-time All-American in cross country and track and field, and she helped the Gophers win the 2022 NCAA indoor distance medley relay title. Maier will join the Florida Gators track and field program for the 2023-24 season. She will be coached by Head Coach Mike Holloway, who has led the Gators to 11 NCAA team championships. Maier is expected to be a key contributor to the Gators’ distance running program. She is a talented runner with a bright future, and she will be a valuable addition to the Florida team.
