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Three-time Texas High School 6A State Champion and National Age Group Record holder Emma Bibza has verbally committed to stay in-state and continue her swimming career at Southern Methodist University in the fall of 2026.
A NISCA All-American and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, Bibiza currently swims for Lakeside Aquatic Club and attends Southlake Carroll High School.
Bibza is a National Age Group Record holder in the Girls’ 13-14 200 LCM relay. She and her North Texas Nadadores teammates at the time—Marin Clem, Vivian Anderson, and Olivia Colombo—broke the record at the 2021 Texas Age Group Swimming Championships (TAGS). Their time of 1:47.05 was 0.08 seconds faster than the previous record, held by Sandpipers of Nevada in 2019, and it still stands as the record. Bibza’s split was 26.99.
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Southern Methodist University! I would like to thank my coaches, family, friends and God for leading me to this new chapter in life. A big thank you to @smuswimdivew for this incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to see what the future brings! PONY UP!!”
Bibza is a versatile swimmer, excelling in breaststroke, butterfly, and IM. During the prelims of the 100 fly at the 2025 UIL 6A State Championship (SCY), she achieved her personal best with a time of 55.16. She went on to become a finalist in two individual events, placing 6th in the 100 fly (56.09) and 8th in the 200 free (1:52.16). Bibza’s 400 free relay team also finished 1st with a time of 3:24.18, and her split was 50.64. Additionally, her team’s 200 medley relay squad claimed victory in both 2023 and 2024 at the championship.
Bibza secured her fastest 400 IM time at the 2024 NT LAC Fall Classic (SCY) in November, where she placed 2nd overall with a time of 4:21.28. This time qualifies her for the 2025 Futures Championship in Justin. She also earned second swims in the 200 IM (2:04.72), where she placed 2nd, and the 200 breast (2:20.91), finishing 5th.
At the 2023 UIL 4-6A District Championship (SCY), Bibza posted lifetime bests in the 100 breast (1:03.90) and the 200 IM (2:01.99), finishing as the runner-up in both events.
Bibza was also a finalist at the 2022 Speedo Winter Junior Championship – West (SCY) in the 200 breast, where she posted her best time of 2:15.19 and placed 21st overall.
Top Yard Times
- 100 Breast – 1:03.90
- 200 breast – 2:15.19
- 100 Fly – 55.16
- 200 IM – 2:01.99
- 400 IM – 4:21.28
SMU placed 14th out of 15 teams at the 2025 Women’s ACC Championships, marking their first year in the conference. The previous year, they were part of the American Athletic Conference, where they placed 2nd out of 7 teams at the championship.
Bibza has the potential to make a significant impact upon her arrival, especially for Southern Methodist’s breaststroke group. Her best time in the 100 breast and 200 breast would have ranked second-fastest on the team this season, behind sophomore Izzy Krantzcke, also from Texas, who posted times of 2:13.95 in the 200 and 1:01.35 in the 100. Bibza could also make an impact in the 200 IM, where the fastest time this season (1:58.82) is held by freshman Teia Salvino.
Bibza will join Emma Hagberg, Ella Houston, and Tessa Christiansen as part of Southern Methodist’s 2026 recruiting class. Christiansen, who is also from Texas (San Antonio), shows strength in backstroke events, particularly the 200 back, where she has a time of 1:58.31.
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Welcome to the ACC.
Congrats Emma.