ANGOLA, Ind. – The Trine University triathlon team has been selected as the second best team in the nation according to the College Triathlon Coaches Association (CTCA) Preseason Poll.

The Thunder came in just behind North Central College for the second spot among NCAA Division III institutions. Willamette University rounded out the podium positions in third.

Trine finished second at the CTCA National Championships in 2025, the fifth straight season they have finished in the top-two at the event. The team returns three All-Americans from that squad to the team this year. Lia Bartholomew headlines the group as the lone returning first team member. Tessa Szymanski was on the second team as a freshman and Alyssa Seiter rounded out the group with an honorable mention finish.

The Thunder are set to open the season at the University of Indianapolis Splash and Dash on Sunday September 6. They follow up quickly by competing at the Mighty Mississinewa Triathlon on Saturday, September 12 and then again at the Beaver County Tri Cup on Saturday, September 19. Their last regular season contest comes when they head to the Prairie State Cup on Saturday, October 3.

The East Regional Qualifier is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 in Buford, Ga. before the national championships conclude the season on Sunday, November 8 in Tempe, Ariz.