Dakota Howard will join the Arizona State women for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. Howard just finished her freshman season with Liberty University.
“I am incredibly excited to announce my commitment to Arizona State University! I want to give a huge thank you to my teammates and coaches at Liberty University who have pushed me to grow so much this season, not only as an athlete; but as a person. I’m also so grateful to my family for always being by my side and supporting me through everything. I cannot wait to begin this next chapter and train alongside such an incredible group of athletes and coaches. FORKS UP! “
Originally from Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada, Howard arrived in fall 2025 at Liberty and adjusted to short course yards. She competed in five meets for Liberty.
Howard finished her season at the 2026 American Conference Championships where she was highlighted by a 3rd place finish in the 100 back as she swam to a 53.60. She also swam lifetime bests in the 100 free (49.94, 10th) and 50 free (22.89 relay lead off).
Howard’s Best SCY Times Are:
- 50 free: 22.89
- 100 free: 49.94
- 100 back: 53.60
The Arizona State women captured the 2026 Big 12 Championship with 1660.5 points, finishing over 200 points ahead of Arizona. The Sun Devils were led by Deniz Ertan and Albane Cachot who each scored 96 individual points.
Based on her best times, Howard would have been 8th in the 100 back, 15th in the 100 free, and 16th in the 50 free at 2026 Big 12s. Cachot won the 50 free in a 21.80 and 100 free in a 47.42 to lead Arizona State’s sprint group. The team only had on ‘A’ finalist in the 100 back as Gerda Szilagyi was 5th in a 53.33. Szilagyi just graduated so Howard will look to lead the way in the 100 back this fall.
Howard will be the 3rd Canadian on the roster this fall as an upperclassman for the women as Eleaunah Phillips enters her sophomore season and Jordan Greber enters her junior season. Rowynn Biffart and Parker Deshayes will be freshman from Canada.
Well that’s going to be a different vibe on campus.