Columbia News

The University of Missouri's swimming and diving program has announced the addition of five student-athletes to its 2025-26 recruiting class. The group includes three top recruits from Minnesota, with a total of three athletes ranked among the top 250 by Swimcloud.

Head Coach Andrew Grevers confirmed that Sebastian Gonzalez Barboza, an individual medley and freestyle swimmer from Quebec, and Drew Ploof, a butterfly specialist from Minnesota, will join the men's team. On the women's side, Annabelle Wentzel (fly) and Libby Bakker (backstroke/freestyle), both highly rated in Minnesota, along with Illinois native Zuza Krasnicki (freestyle), have committed to the Tigers.

Libby Bakker is an All-American in the 100 backstroke and serves as captain for Maple Grove High School in Minnesota. She is a five-time section champion and competes for Aquajets Swim Team, qualifying for Winter and Summer Nationals. "I chose Mizzou because of the dynamic atmosphere of the campus, the incredibly supportive coaching staff, and the tight knit team culture! I believe that Mizzou is the place I belong to best set me up for success both in college and in my future," Bakker said.

Sebastian Gonzalez Barboza joins Missouri after notable performances with Club Aquatique Montréal. He was named Best Junior Swimmer at Eastern Canadian Championships in 2022 and is a three-time national champion with his club. As part of Team Quebec, he reached finals in the 400 individual medley at Canada's Olympic Trials this year. "I choose Mizzou because it's the perfect place for my athletic and my academic career. Also, it's an honor to be part of an amazing team and coaching staff," said Gonzalez Barboza.

Zuza Krasnicki has achieved All-American status at Schaumburg High School in Illinois while setting multiple school records across several freestyle events. She is also a Junior National qualifier who has received all-state honors. "I chose Mizzou because it felt like a home away from home and I immediately realized that I belonged here," she said.

Drew Ploof helped lead Eden Prairie High School to state championships in Minnesota. He holds multiple state records and won gold as part of a record-setting relay at last year's Speedo Summer Junior Championship. Ploof noted: "I chose Mizzou because of the dynamic atmosphere of the campus, the incredibly supportive coaching staff, and the tight knit team culture! I believe that Mizzou is the place I belong to best set me up for success both in college and in my future."

Annabelle Wentzel contributed to Minnetonka High School's championship wins while earning individual titles herself. She holds her team's record in butterfly events and was named Rookie of the Year as well as Most Valuable Player during her high school career. Wentzel stated: "I chose Mizzou because of the welcoming community and atmosphere that made it feel like home instantly."