Tulane Swimming and Diving Heads to Houston

NEW ORLEANS – Tulane swimming and diving heads to Houston this Friday to take on the Cougars. The meet will begin at 2 p.m., inside the CRWC Natatorium.

Originally scheduled as a home meet, Houston also will recognize Tulane seniors Noa Heron, Iza Pelka and Lilly Byrne.

"It has been an honor to see the growth that these 3 women have shown over time" head coach Leah Stancil said. "We have gone through my cancer diagnosis and treatment, the loss of our home pool, multiple hurricane threats, 2 hurricane touch downs and COVID. Those are many challenges to experience in such a short time."

Heron has been solid for the Green Wave throughout her four years. This season she served as one of the team captains and has been dominant in the 1000-yard free and 500-yard free so far in 2021-2022.

Pelka also serves as a team captain in her fourth year at Tulane. The senior has been consistent in both the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard free relay.

"Iza and Noa are our team captains, and their leadership has been a key factor to the success of the team. Lilly's ability to graduate in 3 years from one of the top universities in the country speaks volumes as to her ability to raise the standard of our program."

Byrne has racked up the accolades in her short career wearing the Olive and Blue. In 2020 alone, the Georgia native earned AAC All-Conference, AAC Freshman of the Year, CSCAA All-America and was a NCAA Qualifier.

"Iza has the ability to express team expectations clearly and firmly without making teammates feel alienated or threatened," Stancil said. "Noa's empathy and love for her teammates is felt and appreciated by all. Lilly's humble competitiveness helps keep her teammates honest in practice and even more impressively her passion for service allows the team to stay engaged with New Orleans' communities."

The three members of the Green Wave will look to continue their success in the pool this season and cap of their careers at the top of the podium.

"I am sad that they won't be here next year, but I am excited to see what the future brings for all three of these strong women," Stancil said.

Be sure to follow the program on Facebook and Twitter (@GreenWaveSwim) and on Instagram (@TulaneSwimDive). Fans can also follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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Players Mentioned

Lilly Byrne

Noa Heron

Iza Pelka

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