Ball State University Athletics
Wednesday, March 18
Atlanta, Ga.
Ball State University
vs
NCAA Championships
Payton Kelly Set for 2026 NCAA Women's Swimming & Diving Championship
March 16, 2026 | Women's Swimming and Diving
MUNCIE, Ind. – Senior Payton Kelly looks to represent the Ball State swimming & diving program this week as she travels to Atlanta, Ga. to conclude her collegiate career at the 2026 NCAA DI Women's Swimming and Diving Championship. Action at the McAuley Aquatic Center opens Wednesday, March 18 and ends Saturday, March 21.
Prelims are slated to begin at 10 a.m., followed by finals at 6 p.m. each day.
Kelly will compete in two events during Friday's competitions, starting with the 100 backstroke and finishing with the 50 freestyle. She punched her ticket in both events at the Mid-American Conference Swimming and Diving Championships (Feb. 25-28), earning gold in the 100 back (52.07) and 50 free (21.88). Her times in those events rank 44th and 31st, respectively.
A two-time first team ALL-MAC honoree and the 2026 MAC Most Outstanding Swimmer, Kelly stamped a career-high 20 individual wins throughout the 2025-2026 season. Five of those victories came in the 50 free while four came in the 100 back.
Live results throughout the week can be found here. Action in Atlanta can also be streamed on ESPN+.
2026 NCAA DI Women's Swimming and Diving Championship Schedule
Wednesday, March 18
1650-yard freestyle
200-yard medley relay
800-yard freestyle relay
Thursday, March 19
100-yard butterfly
400-yard individual medley
200-yard freestyle
100-yard breaststroke
200-yard freestyle relay
One-meter diving
Friday, March 20
100-yard backstroke
200-yard breaststroke
500-yard freestyle
50-yard freestyle
400-yard medley relay
Three-meter diving
Saturday, March 21
200-yard individual medley
100-yard freestyle
200-yard butterfly
200-yard backstroke
400-yard freestyle relay
Platform diving
Prelims are slated to begin at 10 a.m., followed by finals at 6 p.m. each day.
Kelly will compete in two events during Friday's competitions, starting with the 100 backstroke and finishing with the 50 freestyle. She punched her ticket in both events at the Mid-American Conference Swimming and Diving Championships (Feb. 25-28), earning gold in the 100 back (52.07) and 50 free (21.88). Her times in those events rank 44th and 31st, respectively.
A two-time first team ALL-MAC honoree and the 2026 MAC Most Outstanding Swimmer, Kelly stamped a career-high 20 individual wins throughout the 2025-2026 season. Five of those victories came in the 50 free while four came in the 100 back.
Live results throughout the week can be found here. Action in Atlanta can also be streamed on ESPN+.
2026 NCAA DI Women's Swimming and Diving Championship Schedule
Wednesday, March 18
1650-yard freestyle
200-yard medley relay
800-yard freestyle relay
Thursday, March 19
100-yard butterfly
400-yard individual medley
200-yard freestyle
100-yard breaststroke
200-yard freestyle relay
One-meter diving
Friday, March 20
100-yard backstroke
200-yard breaststroke
500-yard freestyle
50-yard freestyle
400-yard medley relay
Three-meter diving
Saturday, March 21
200-yard individual medley
100-yard freestyle
200-yard butterfly
200-yard backstroke
400-yard freestyle relay
Platform diving
Players Mentioned
Free, Back
/ Women's Swimming and DivingSports Link: National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Wednesday, February 25
Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day // Produced by Ball State Sports Link
Wednesday, February 04
Sports Link: Zach Shaddy (Diving)
Tuesday, January 13
Sports Link: Hungry To Win (Malcolm Slater)
Thursday, January 08