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Malia Groen from San Jose, California has announced her commitment to continue her academic and athletic careers at Alabama beginning in fall 2027.
“I am grateful to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Alabama. I would first like to thank my coaches, specifically Coach Kevin, Coach Joey, Coach Carrie, and all of my past coaches who have guided me throughout this process. Next, I would like to thank my friends and family for supporting me with this decision. Finally, I want to thank Coach Jake and Coach Margo for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this incredible team. I am so excited for what the future holds!”
Groen swims for Santa Clara Swim Club and most recently competed at Roseville Sectionals. There she swam to a lifetime best 4:50.24 500 free for 2nd. She also swam a lifetime best 4:29.12 in the 400 IM. She won the 1650 free in a 16:38.63, about a three second add from her lifetime best.
Her lifetime best in the 1650 free sits at a 16:35.31 that she swam in December at Winter Juniors-West for 10th. Her highest finish came in the 1000 free where she swam a 9:51.92 for 7th.
Groen’s Best SCY Times Are:
- 1650 free: 16:35.31
- 1000 free: 9:51.92
- 500 free: 4:50.24
The Alabama women finished 4th out of 13 teams at the 2026 SEC Championships. Emily Jones led the team with 80 individual points including a 2nd place finish in the 100 back (50.59).
Based on her best times, Groen would have been 20th in the 1650 free at the 2026 SEC Championships. Alabama had three scorers in the event with Mackenzie Brandt 7th (16:12.50), Stella Grace Watts 17th (16:32.46), and Lolly Milbaum 24th (16:49.27). It took a 4:48.60 to score in the 500 free.
Groen will arrive next fall as a member of the class of 2031 along with Wilma Hultberg Kullberg, Camryn Siegers, Grace Alegi, Faith Gorey, and Emma Young.
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