NCAA Runner-Up Nicole Maier Relocates to Florida
Two-time NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship finalist Nicole Maier has announced her decision to transfer to the University of Florida. The former Stanford Cardinal standout leaves Palo Alto after four seasons marked by success and unforgettable moments. Maier, a 6-foot-1 forward, emerged as a dominant force in the Pac-12 Conference, earning All-Conference honors in each of her four years. She was a key contributor to Stanford’s back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2020 and 2021, leading the team in scoring and rebounding during those runs. Despite Stanford’s heartbreaking losses in both NCAA finals, Maier’s individual performances were exceptional. She averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds in the two title games, showcasing her versatility and undeniable talent. Maier’s decision to move to Florida is a testament to her desire for continued growth and success. The Gators have established a strong women’s basketball program under head coach Kelly Rae Finley, and Maier believes their system is a perfect fit for her skillset. Florida welcomes Maier as an experienced leader with a proven track record. Her addition to the roster is expected to bolster the Gators’ frontcourt and provide a much-needed veteran presence. Fans can expect Maier to make an immediate impact for Florida, contributing not only on the court but also as a mentor to her younger teammates. As Maier embarks on a new chapter in her collegiate career, she carries with her the invaluable lessons and memories from her time at Stanford. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit will undoubtedly serve her well as she aims to make her mark on the SEC and beyond.Nicole Maier, a two-time NCAA Championships ‘B’ finalist in the 400-yard IM, will use her final year of eligibility at the University of Florida as a graduate transfer. Maier spent her first four seasons at Miami (Ohio). Florida announced her contract with the team via Instagram on Monday.Nicole Maier, a two-time NCAA Championships ‘B’ finalist in the 400-yard IM, will use her final year of eligibility at the University of Florida as a graduate transfer. Maier spent her first four seasons at Miami (Ohio). Florida announced her contract with the team via Instagram on Monday.
Gator’s newest addition
🐊 Welcome to UF, @nicole.maierr! #GoGators At the 2024 Division I NCAA Championships, Maier finished 11th in the 400 IM (4:06.01), 18th in the 500 free (4:39.73) and 22nd in the 100 free (47.95). She collected six individual points, the third-highest of all swimmers in the middle segment. At the 2023 NCAAs, she finished as high as ninth in the 400 IM.
Maier’s best times:
– 50 free: 22.39 – 100 free: 47.77 – 200 free: 1:43.90 – 500 free: 4:39.73 – 1650 Fri: 16:32.64 – 200 IM: 1:56.04 – 400 IM: 4:05.84 Maier is an extremely versatile swimmer with NCAA-qualifying times in the sprint/middle distance freestyle, as well as both IM events. She fits right into Florida’s roster, which also includes other strong distance/IM type swimmers Bella Sims, Emma Weyant, and Zoe Dixon. At NCAAs, Florida fielded two ‘A’ finalists in both the 500 free (Sims and Weyant) and the 400 IM (Weyant and Dixon). Additionally, Maier will be a useful addition to the Florida sprint relays, especially as top sprinter Isabel Ivey is not eligible and steady relay leg Ekaterina Nikonova transferred to Northwestern. Her 100 free is faster than Florida’s slowest leg in the 400 freestyle relay at this year’s NCAAs (Layy Kruger – 48.45), her 50 free is just a few tenths shy of Olivia Peoples’ 22.25 50 free split in the 200 free relay, and she could take Ivey’s spot on the Gators’ NCAA Championship-winning 800 free relay. Florida finished third at the 2024 NCAAs, earning its highest seeding since winning it all in 2010. Adding Maier to the roster will further solidify the Gators as a top collegiate team next season.Two-time NCAA ”B” finalist Nicole Maier is moving to Florida. Maier, a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, has decided to leave her home state of Michigan to train with coach Gregg Troy at the University of Florida. Troy is a two-time Olympic medalist and has coached numerous swimmers to success at the international level. Maier is a talented swimmer who has excelled at the collegiate level. She was a two-time NCAA ”B” finalist in the 200-yard butterfly and also competed in the 100-yard butterfly and 200-yard individual medley. She was a key member of Michigan’s Big Ten championship team in 2022. Maier is excited to join the Florida Gators and train with Troy. She believes that Troy’s expertise and experience will help her reach her full potential as a swimmer. “I’m really excited to join the Florida Gators and train with Coach Troy,” Maier said. “I think he’s one of the best coaches in the world, and I know he can help me become a better swimmer.” Maier is a promising young swimmer with a bright future. She is expected to be a major contributor to the Florida Gators swimming and diving team.
