Artistic Swimming | 1/30/2026 9:45:00 AM

DENTON, Texas (Jan. 30, 2026) – The Texas Woman's artistic swimming team awaits on the deck, ready to dive into a new season, filled with new opportunities.

Lead by first year head coach Courtney Griffith, the Pioneers are invigorated to compete new routines at high levels of difficulty. TWU's two seniors, Candela Fidalgo Garcia and Kimberly Poitras, are excited to lead this year's group and continue to grow the legacy of TWU Artistic Swimming.

"This year's squad is very special," Fidalgo Garcia said. "I feel very honored to be able to end my synchro career with this group of people. The strength, support and fire we bring every day are remarkable. Our bond is stronger than ever and that connection is what creates something truly magical."

While the Pioneers compete as two teams in the pool, they truly embody the one team, one purpose mentality, as they fight together to bring their best each and every day.

"What excites me the most about being a senior on the TWU Artistic Swimming team is the wonderful teammates I have by my side," Poitras said. "They always motivate me to do my best while I do the same back. We are such a family that it is a privilege I get to swim my final year of Artistic Swimming with the best group of girls I could ask for. Another thing that excites me is reaching my personal goals in the water for my final year and feeling accomplished ending on a high note."

This season, TWU has 19 swimmers, including six freshmen. As Fidalgo Garcia and Poitras look ahead to their final year of competition, they reflected on advice they would pass to the younger generation of Pioneers.  

"Enjoy every moment — even the ones you don't realize you're enjoying yet," Fidalgo Garcia said. "These past four years have shaped me into the person I am today. Say yes to opportunities, be yourself and trust the process. There will be hard moments, but they are always worth it. One day, you'll look back and see just how much you've grown!"

"Some wisdom I wish to pass down to future Pioneers is never be afraid to be yourself, and find your true self deep within," Poitras said. "Looking at myself my freshman year and my senior year, I am two completely different people. I have grown and matured in many aspects of life, and I will forever be grateful. All of the hardships I have dealt with has paid off into shaping myself into a great person I want to continue with going into my future."

TWU will compete in four meets throughout the regular season, as they work towards their grand finale – U.S. Collegiate Nationals hosted by Stanford.

"The meet I am looking forward to the most is Collegiate Nationals in California at Stanford," Poitras said. "I feel like that is a great way to end my career with a beautiful facility and outdoors. My family is coming, and I'm excited for them to see my final swims ever."

TWU has put in the work in the off season, and they are committed to achieving new heights this season. A special team with a special season on the horizon.