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Liliana Hineman, a multi-time Summer Juniors qualifier, has chosen to bring her distance talents to Rice University beginning in the fall of 2027.
Hineman is a native of Peoria, Arizona, where she competes for Gold Medal Swim Club and attends Notre Dame Preparatory School. She said this about her commitment to the Houston school:
“I am so beyond thrilled and grateful to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Rice University! I would like to thank God, my family, Coach Sam, Coach Mike, and all my teammates and friends for their support and helping me get to where I am today. I would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to my former coach Bob who was the biggest inspiration for me in and out of the pool. I would also like to thank Coach Seth, Coach Jessica, and Coach Guy for giving me this amazing opportunity! I cannot wait for the amazing journey ahead! GO OWLS!!!”
Only a junior, Hineman already holds times fast enough to A-final at Rice’s American Conference Championships. One of her most exemplary displays of talent came from the CA RMDA Legends of Coaching meet in November 2025. There, she nailed lifetime bests in the 400 IM (4:17.50), 1000 (9:56.11), mile (16:44.31), and 500 free (4:51.95). All of these time remain her lifetime bests, and the former three stand as Summer Junior National cuts.
Other accolades to Hineman’s name include 2026 Arizona LSC champion in the 1000 (10:02.38) and multi-time A finalist at the 2026 Four Corners Sectionals meet in Indianapolis.
Hineman’s Best Times (SCY)
- 400 IM – 4:17.50
- 1000 free – 9:56.11
- 1650 free – 16:44.31
- 500 free – 4:51.95
Hineman’s abilities fit the mold of her future Houstonian team well. The 2026 American Conference team champions, Rice excels particularly in the endurance races. She comes in as Rice graduates fellow 400 IMer and distance freestyler Ella Dyson, who earned CSCAA National Titles in the 500, 1000, and mile this spring. Hineman will overlap with current sophomores Reese Cole and Ava Portello, both of whom were Conference champions and NCAA qualifiers in Hineman’s best events. Cole will push Hineman in the 400 IM, while Portello will prove a training partner in the distance races.
Among Hineman’s Class of 2031 Owls teammates will be Sophia Kruity and Lily Yung.
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