On Saturday, Feb. 7, the atmosphere at Jones Natatorium was filled with a unique blend of competitive fire and nostalgic celebration as the Eastern Michigan University swim and dive programs hosted their annual Senior Day Extravaganza. While the event featured a mix of traditional events and lighthearted, themed games, the true heart of the afternoon was the spotlight shining on the class of 2026. This year’s graduating group—Ali Kudo, Sydney Ulmer, and Cate Migliori—represents a trio of leaders who have navigated their collegiate careers with academic excellence and athletic tenacity.
The spotlight first fell on Ali Kudo, a distance freestyle specialist from Guelph, Ontario. Kudo’s impact on the program has been nothing short of dominant. Serving as one of this year’s team captains, she has competed in 31 meets for the Eagles, amassing an impressive 15 first-place finishes and 13 top-three performances. Her excellence was recognized early on when she was named to the All-MAC Second Team during the 2022-23 season. Kudo has proven to be a clutch performer, notably placing first in every race she swam during a month-long stretch in early 2024. Beyond her speed in the pool, Kudo is a standout scholar with a pre-medical intent, earning Academic All-MAC honors twice and being named to the CSC Academic All-District team. Her legacy is one of consistent leadership and high-level execution in the distance lanes.
Joining Kudo in the swimming spotlight was Sydney Ulmer, a Fly/IM swimmer from York, Pa.. Ulmer’s journey to Eastern Michigan was unique, as she joined the program three seasons ago as a transfer from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She brought a championship pedigree with her, having earned honors SUN All-Conference Honors for 200y Fly and was named an NAIA All-American for four events, including the 100y Fly, 200y Medley Relay, 200y Fly, and the 400y Medley Relay. Since arriving in Ypsilanti, Ulmer has been a vital contributor, competing in 26 meets and securing nine top-three finishes. Just this season, she set a new personal best in the 400y individual medley during the MAC Championships, showcasing her ability to peak when it matters most. An Interior Design major, Ulmer has balanced the rigors of a creative degree with the demands of Division I athletics, earning Academic All-MAC honors for her efforts.
The celebration also turned toward the diving boards to honor Cate Migliori, the diving team captain from Stockton, Calif.. Migliori’s career has been defined by steady progression and a lead-by-example mentality. Over 20 meets with the Eagles, she has secured several top-five finishes, but her senior campaign has been her most remarkable to date. This season, Migliori reached new heights by setting a new personal best score in the one-meter scoring, 232.05 points. Her commitment to her craft is matched by her dedication to her studies in exercise science, resulting in her being named a two-time Academic All-MAC recipient.
As the extravaganza concluded with themed games that brought smiles to the faces of the athletes and fans alike, it was clear that these three seniors have left the program in a better place than they found it. Their collective 77 meet appearances and numerous academic accolades have set a standard for the younger Eagles to follow. While this was their final home appearance, their season is far from over. The team will now look to carry the momentum and inspiration from Senior Day into their next challenge, beginning with the Michigan First Chance Meet on Feb. 14-15 in Ann Arbor.
