Certainly no stranger to the troubles of competitive swimming, Hannah Dato has ruled the pool since her UAAP debut. The reigning MVP takes center stage as this season’s captain, with her eyes on the gold.
“I was shocked when they voted me captain because I wasn’t really expecting it even though I won co-captain last year. I just want to do my best for the team so that their vote won’t go to waste.”

Season 77’s female Rookie of the Year is ready for action in her third stint for the Blue and White. After training in Australia and bagging a bronze in Singapore last summer, Ariana Herranz will be a huge asset in the campaign for the three-peat.

National swimmer and last season’s Rookie of the Year enjoyed a medal blowout in her UAAP debut. Another spectacular show from medley swimmer Romina Gavino could haul in the awards to give Ateneo the edge.

Proving that blood runs thicker than water, rookie Andrea Ngui joins her brother Axel as a member of the crew. A bronze-medalist at the 39th SEA Group Championships, the newest Ngui brings both youth and skill to the Eagles’ cause.

Another familiar surname rings among the new rookies as Poveda recruit and butterfly specialist Bea Batungbacal continues the Batungbacal brothers’ legacy in the team to replenish the Lady Eagles’ arsenal of swimmers.

Candice Esguerra-Federiso has held the post of head women’s coach since 2014, the first year of the team’s back-to-back finishes. Now, she also heads the men’s team for the first time.
“It will be a close fight again for sure, [so] everyone should step up in contributing as much points as possible, but I think we [will] be able to give a good fight.”