Inspired by the Big Ten’s stylized “B1G” logo, the Bruins developed a new motto as their new mission statement.

“Bold, one team and gritty.”

Fueled by its new slogan, No. 20 UCLA swim and dive will kick off its season at the Fresno State Invite on Friday in Fresno, California. The two-day competition marks the beginning of a travel-filled season for the Bruins, hosting only one home dual meet all year.

“The Big Ten logo is B-1-G, right?” said coach Jordan Cordry. “For us, that is ‘bold, one team and gritty.’ That’s who we’re going to be this weekend.”

The Bruins are sending their entire roster to the invite, allowing newcomers to gain experience as the team heads into their inaugural season in the Big Ten. Last year, UCLA dominated the meet, beating out second-place San Diego State by 350 points.

While another win wouldn’t hurt, Cordry said the team is more focused on setting the right tone for the rest of the season.

“This is a meet where we just like to set some starting points,” Cordry said. “It is not about perfection. It’s about grit and resilience.”

To prepare for the meet, the Bruins have endured a rigorous preseason training regimen consisting of sessions focusing on aerobic conditioning and building muscle.

“We put in a lot of work, a lot of circuits in the weight room, a lot of hard days in the weight room and a lot of intentional practices,” said junior Rosie Murphy. “I feel prepared after this preseason, for sure.”

Murphy is fresh off a breakout sophomore campaign where she broke the school record in both the 200-yard backstroke and the 200-yard individual medley. The Sacramento local was named to 2024 Big Ten Swimmer and Divers to Watch list, alongside sophomore Lauren Hallaselkä.

After a summer highlighted by a trip to the 2024 Paris Olympics, graduate student Emma Harvey is set to represent the blue and gold for the first time. The Penn State transfer represented Bermuda at the Games, swimming in the 100-meter backstroke.

“It’s immeasurable how much a difference that experience has made on my career,” Harvey said. “Having that extra confidence that I can perform under pressure is something that’s going to help me this weekend, but also going forward.”

Senior Gizem Guvenc was the second member of the squad to compete in the Olympics, debuting newly inked Olympic rings on her forearm after representing Turkey in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay.

With two members of its roster boasting Olympic experience, UCLA is ready to put it to use.

“We’re taking advantage of the exciting summer that they had and the fact that they both peaked at the right time heading into the summer,” Cordry said. “We haven’t backed down, and they’ve answered the call very well.”

Competition on Friday is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., while Saturday’s events start at 10 a.m.