Bend, OR, native Emma Bronson has committed to further her career at the University of Alabama as a part of the Crimson Tide’s 2026 recruiting class.
I feel incredibly blessed to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Alabama! A big thank you to my family and friends for their never ending support and encouragement. Thank you to my Bend Swim Club coaches who have gotten me to this point. And lastly thank you to Coach Margo, Jake, and the rest of the Alabama coaching staff for giving me this amazing opportunity! ROLL TIDE!! ❤️🐘
Bronson backed up her silver medal performance in the 100 butterfly from the 2024 Oregon 5A State Championship with a gold in 2025, touching in 54.95, setting a new Oregon 5A High School State record in the event. At that same meet in February, Bronson added a runner-up finish for Bend Senior High School in the 200 freestyle with her final time of 1:55.20.
She set her lifetime best in both the 100 and 200 butterflies and 200 IM in December at the Speedo Winter Junior Championships West, representing Bend Swim Club. Her top finish came in the 100 fly, when she stopped the clock at 53.05 to finish 7th overall. Bronson’s 200 fly finished 12th in 1:59.49, and her 200 IM was 54th in 2:03.64.
Bronson picked up another four lifetime standards at Speedo Sectionals in Boise in March. Leading off both the 200 and 400 free relays, Bronson nabbed personal bests in the 50 free (24.05) and 100 free (51.47), respectively. She also swam her best performances in the 100 backstroke (54.53) and 200 back (2:00.31)
Best Times SCY:
- 100 Fly: 53.05
- 200 Fly: 1:59.49
- 100 Back: 54.53
- 200 Back: 2:00.31
- 200 IM: 2:03.64
The Alabama women finished 6th at the 2025 SEC Swimming and Diving Championships.
Bronson’s best times would have placed a spot outside of the alternate position in the 100 fly (27th), 31st in the 200 fly, and 56th in the 200 IM.
Bronson brings a tradition of winning to the Crimson Tide program, having claimed 3 straight Oregon 5A State team championship titles in her time at Bend Senior High School.
Alabama will graduate six members of its women’s program at the end of this season, including its top returning 100 flyer in Emily Jones. The Crimson Tide will still return Victoria Raymond, who led Alabama as the only sub-2:00 200 flyer from last season. Raymond will be a senior when Bronson joins the program in the fall of 2026.
Bronson joins Eva Whitehead, Ella Justice, Alyse Block, Ava Grazziani, Georgia Wimberly, and Addison Sala in the Crimson Tide Class of 2030.
Great young lady.
Wonderful athlete.