Friday, November 13, 2026 | Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving
Six women and four men headline the Gators' incoming class.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida swimming head coach Anthony Nesty announced the addition of 10 newcomers to the nationally ranked men's and women's programs for the 2027-28 season. The incoming class features Kate Canales, Abby Chan, Sauveur Cristofini, Ranumi Eashwarage, Jan Malte Gräfe, Julian Granison, Blakely Hammel, Lillie McPherson, Griffin Oehler and Cara Vogt.
"We are very pleased to welcome the Class of 2027 to Florida. This is a talented group of athletes who bring valuable competitive experience and a strong desire to succeed. We believe they have the ability to make an immediate impact while continuing to develop within our program. We are excited to welcome them to Florida and look forward to seeing how they contribute to the continued growth and success of our program. Go Gators!" – Anthony Nesty
The 2027 signing class hails from across the country with Texas, Alabama, Florida and Maryland each represented this year, including international additions from Australia, Germany, Canada and France.
Kate Canales
Career Highlights:
"I chose the University of Florida because of the amazing coaching staff, the history of the program and all the incredible swimmers who have come before me. I love how competitive and successful the team is, but what really stood out to me was the team culture and how close everyone is. Florida has everything I was looking for, both in swimming and academics. I can really see myself growing here as a swimmer and as a person, making lifelong friendships and building my future here. I am so excited to be a Gator!"
Abby Chan
Career Highlights:
Career Highlights:
"I chose the University of Florida for its amazing environment, Coach Nesty, the balance between academics and swimming and the fantastic training group."
Ranumi Eashwarage
Career Highlights:
"I chose UF because of the incredible community, coaches and teammates I met during my official visit. I believe that people make a place, and everyone made me feel right at home!"
Jan Malte Gräfe
Career Highlights:
Career Highlights:
"Best SEC swim school with the best coaches."
Blakely Hammel
Career Highlights:
"I've grown up a Gator fan and having the privilege to get to know the amazing coaches and the athletes at the University of Florida drew me to the program."
Lillie McPherson
Career Highlights:
"I chose the University of Florida because of the incredible swimming opportunities, world-class facilities and the lifestyle that Gainesville offers. I love the team spirit of the Gators too!"
Griffin Oehler
Career Highlights:
Career Highlights:
"The Gators offer an excellent athletic program at a highly competitive level, which I believe will enable me to develop further as a swimmer. At the same time, UF has a very strong academic reputation, meaning I'm able to pursue both my goals at a high level. Additionally, the team spirit and atmosphere on campus won me over."
Stay Connected
Fans can stay up to date with the Florida Gator swimming & diving teams by following @GatorsSwimDv on X and catch up with the latest news and content of the team. Like the team's Facebook page at Florida Gators Swimming & Diving Fans can also keep up with the team by following them on Instagram at @Gatorsswimdv.
"We are very pleased to welcome the Class of 2027 to Florida. This is a talented group of athletes who bring valuable competitive experience and a strong desire to succeed. We believe they have the ability to make an immediate impact while continuing to develop within our program. We are excited to welcome them to Florida and look forward to seeing how they contribute to the continued growth and success of our program. Go Gators!" – Anthony Nesty
The 2027 signing class hails from across the country with Texas, Alabama, Florida and Maryland each represented this year, including international additions from Australia, Germany, Canada and France.
Kate Canales
| Hometown | Boerne, Texas |
| Stroke | Breast/Fly/IM |
| High School/Club | Northeast Aquatic Team |
| @kecanales |
Career Highlights:
- #1 ranked recruit from Texas
- 4x UIL Texas State Champion; 2x 100 butterfly & 2x 100 breaststroke
- UIL Texas 5A 100 breaststroke state record holder
- Speedo Junior National Championships 50 breaststroke champion
- 11x Speedo Junior National Championships finalist
- 4x Speedo Winter Junior National Championships finalist
- 50 breaststroke & 100 breaststroke TYR Pro Swim Series podium finisher
"I chose the University of Florida because of the amazing coaching staff, the history of the program and all the incredible swimmers who have come before me. I love how competitive and successful the team is, but what really stood out to me was the team culture and how close everyone is. Florida has everything I was looking for, both in swimming and academics. I can really see myself growing here as a swimmer and as a person, making lifelong friendships and building my future here. I am so excited to be a Gator!"
Abby Chan
| Hometown | Madison, Alabama |
| Stroke | Fly/Back/Free |
| High School/Club | Huntsville Swim Association |
| @abby_chan418 |
Career Highlights:
- #1 ranked recruit from Alabama
- Alabama 100 butterfly high school state champion
- USA Swimming World Championship trials finalist
| Hometown | Marseille, France |
| Stroke | Free |
| High School/Club | GFCA Natacion |
| @sauveur_cristo |
Career Highlights:
- #10 ranked class of 2027 recruit
- Represented France at the 2026 European Championships & 2026 World Aquatics Championships
- 2026 European Aquatics Championships 4x200 freestyle relay silver medalist
- 200 and 400 freestyle French national titles
- Multiple French U18 SCM record holder
"I chose the University of Florida for its amazing environment, Coach Nesty, the balance between academics and swimming and the fantastic training group."
Ranumi Eashwarage
| Hometown | Calgary Alberta, Canada |
| Stroke | Sprint |
| High School/Club | University of Calgary Swim Club |
| @ranumi.eashwarage |
Career Highlights:
- #1 ranked recruit from Alberta
- 2026 Junior Pan Pacific Championships 100 freestyle gold medalist
- 2x Canadian Junior National Team member
- Alberta provincial age group record-holder
"I chose UF because of the incredible community, coaches and teammates I met during my official visit. I believe that people make a place, and everyone made me feel right at home!"
Jan Malte Gräfe
| Hometown | Potsdam, Germany |
| Stroke | Breast |
| High School/Club | Potsdamer SV |
| @malte_graefe |
Career Highlights:
- 2025 World Junior Championships 50 breaststroke record holder
- 2025 50 SCM breaststroke national champion
- German national team member
| Hometown | West Palm Beach, Florida |
| Stroke | Sprint Free/Fly |
| High School/Club | Jupiter Dragons Swim Club |
| @julian.gran08 |
Career Highlights:
- #6 ranked recruit from Florida
- Florida 50 & 100 freestyle high school state champion
- Junior National Championships team
- Junior Nationals silver & bronze medalist
- 50 & 100 freestyle high school record-holder
"Best SEC swim school with the best coaches."
Blakely Hammel
| Hometown | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Stroke | Free |
| High School/Club | Episcopal AmberJax |
| @blakelyh28 |
Career Highlights:
- #1 ranked recruit from Florida
- 4x FHSAA State Champion
- Scholastic All-American
- 2025/26 Junior National Team member
- National qualifier
- Florida Dairy Farmers 2025 Girls 1A Swimmer of the Year
"I've grown up a Gator fan and having the privilege to get to know the amazing coaches and the athletes at the University of Florida drew me to the program."
Lillie McPherson
| Hometown | Sydney, Australia |
| Stroke | Fly/Free/IM |
| High School/Club | Manly Swim Club |
| @lil_mcpherson08 |
Career Highlights:
- Represented Australia at the 2026 Junior Pan Pacific Championships
- 100 butterfly, 50 freestyle and 200 freestyle 2026 Australia champion
"I chose the University of Florida because of the incredible swimming opportunities, world-class facilities and the lifestyle that Gainesville offers. I love the team spirit of the Gators too!"
Griffin Oehler
| Hometown | Rockville, Maryland |
| Stroke | Back/Free/IM |
| High School/Club | Rockville Montgomery Swim Club |
| @griffinoehler |
Career Highlights:
- #1 ranked recruit from Maryland
- USA Swimming National Championships qualifer
| Hometown | Duisburg, Germany |
| Stroke | Sprint |
| High School/Club | Startgemeinschaft Neuss |
| @cara.vgtt |
Career Highlights:
- German National Championships qualifier
- 2026 European Aquatics Junior Championships qualifier
- 2025 European Aquatics Junior Championships 50 freestyle semifinalist
- Multiple podium finishes at age group nationals
"The Gators offer an excellent athletic program at a highly competitive level, which I believe will enable me to develop further as a swimmer. At the same time, UF has a very strong academic reputation, meaning I'm able to pursue both my goals at a high level. Additionally, the team spirit and atmosphere on campus won me over."
Stay Connected
Fans can stay up to date with the Florida Gator swimming & diving teams by following @GatorsSwimDv on X and catch up with the latest news and content of the team. Like the team's Facebook page at Florida Gators Swimming & Diving Fans can also keep up with the team by following them on Instagram at @Gatorsswimdv.
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