ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland University swimming and diving associate head coach Molly Hebzynski has been selected to represent Team USA as the Team Lead at the 2026 FISU America Games.

The games will take place in Lima, Peru, from July 20 to August 1, with the swimming competition scheduled for July 24-26 at the Videna Aquatic Center, host of the 2019 Pan-American Games and future site of the 2027 Pan-American Games.

The FISU America Games serve as a continental championship for university athletes across North, Central, and South America under the International University Sports Federation (FISU). This year marks the fourth edition of the games, bringing together top university student-athletes from across the Western Hemisphere.

"This is an incredible opportunity for our U.S. student-athletes to compete at an elite international level while representing Team USA," Hebzynski said in the initial press release announcing the coaching staff.

Organized under FISU, the games provide a high-level international competitive environment for university athletes. Alternating with the Summer and Winter World University Games, which invite all countries of the world to their biennial events, the FISU America Games are a regional multi-sport event similar to the Pan-American Games for FISU member countries, held in even-numbered years.

Along with Hebzynski, three Golden Grizzlies swimmers will attend the meet this summer and compete for Team USA, representing Oakland Swimming on the international stage: freshman Lydia Soldatke (50, 100, 200 backstroke), junior Max Haney (100 fly and 200 IM), and junior Alexander Lakin (50, 100, 200 breaststroke).

"I am excited to see Lydia, Max, and Alex represent Team USA at the 2026 FISU America Games in Lima, Peru," said Hebzynski. "They have each earned this opportunity through dedication, grit, and a commitment to growth. Seeing them compete on an international stage reflects the culture we've built, one grounded in discipline and trust in the process. For Oakland University, it is a proud moment that highlights the strength of our program and our ability to develop swimmers who can perform at the highest level."

Soldatke, this year's Horizon League Athlete of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, will compete on all three days of the swimming competition in the backstroke events. During the 2025-26 season, she was the Horizon League champion in both the 100 and 200 back, the Horizon League runner-up in the 200 IM and 400 medley relay, a four-time Horizon League Swimmer of the Week, and finished in the top three in 31 regular-season events.

Haney will compete on the first and final days of the FISU America Games. The Fenton, Michigan, native was the Horizon League champion in the 200 IM and the 800 free relay this season, helping set a school and meet record in the relay with a time of 6:21.43, and was the Horizon League runner-up in the 200 back.

Alongside Soldatke, Lakin will participate in all three days of competition, specializing in the breaststroke events. At this year's Horizon League Championships, Lakin advanced to spots in the finals in both breaststroke races and placed third in the 100 breast in a highly competitive field.

More information about the 2026 FISU America Games can be found on the uniUSA website and the FISU America Games official Instagram page.

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