PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers swimming and diving was recognized by the Big Ten Conference this week as two student-athletes earned weekly awards. Emilianna Gonzalez was named the Big Ten Swimmer of the Week and Big Ten Freshman of the Week, while Bailee Sturgill was named the Big Ten Diver of the Week.

Gonzalez won the 50-yard freestyle race as RU competed at No. 25 Princeton. The freshman swam a 22.90 to win the event, just off her previous mark of 22.83 earlier this year, which had been the sixth fastest time in school history.

The native of New York, N.Y. also participated in two relays, helping the team to podium finishes. She swam the leadoff leg of the 200-free relay, helping RU place second, and swam the anchor leg of the 200-medley relay, with RU placing third.

Bailee Sturgill posted a personal best 337.73 on the 3-meter dive to win the event at No. 25 Princeton. Her score is eighth on the school's all-time top ten list. The sophomore earns her second career Big Ten weekly award and first career Big Ten Diver of the Week. The Noblesville, Ind. native was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week last season on November 20, 2024 after her performance at Princeton last season.

Rutgers Big Ten Swimmers of the Week
2015-16 - Joanna Wu (Oct. 7)
2016-17 - Vera Koprivova (Nov.23)
2019-20 - Francesca Stoppa (Jan. 16), Terka Grusova (Nov. 20)
2022-23 - Rachel Kimmel (Nov. 16)
2024-25 - Sofia Bartoloni (Nov. 20)
2025-26 - Emilianna Gonzalez (Nov. 19)
 
Rutgers Big Ten Divers of the Week
2015-16 - Addison Walkowiak (Nov. 11), Addison Walkowiak (Jan. 13)
2016-17 - Addison Walkowiak (Jan. 18), Addison Walkowiak (Feb. 1)
2017-18 - Addison Walkowiak (Nov. 8), Addison Walkowiak (Dec. 6)
2021-22 - Abigail Knapton (Oct. 13), Abigail Knapton (Nov. 3)
2024-25 - Holly Prasanto (Nov. 20)
2025-26 – Bailee Sturgill (Nov. 19)
 
Rutgers Big Ten Freshmen of the Week
2014-15 - Addison Walkowiak (Nov. 1), Addison Walkowiak  (Nov. 25), Addison Walkowiak  (Jan. 13), Addison Walkowiak (Jan. 20)
2019-20 - Sofia Chichaikina (Nov. 13). Sofia Chichaikina (Nov. 20)
2021-22 - Sofia Lobova (Nov. 17), Sofia Lobova (Dec. 8)
2022-23 - Martyna Piesko (Nov. 2)
2023-24 - Elysa Pribadi (Oct. 11)
2024-25 - Bailee Sturgill (Nov. 20)
2025-26 - Emilianna Gonzalez (Nov. 19)