University of New Hampshire Athletics
2026-27 Women's Swimming and Diving Roster
Roster
Iris Lizarduy Castillo
- Class:
- Freshman
- Position:
- Back/Fly/IM
- High School:
- IES Ekialdea BHI
- Hometown:
- Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
- Major:
- Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Before UNH
A native of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, Lizarduy Castillo joins the Wildcats after a decorated club swimming career with Menditxo under coaches Joan Lorente and Aitzol Antolin. She earned Distinction with Honors at Ekialdea BHI, an academic recognition awarded to just seven of 170 students in her graduating class.
One of Spain's top age-group swimmers, she posted multiple podium finishes at the Spanish National Championships. During her senior season in 2025-26, she placed second in her age group in both the 200-meter individual medley and 200-meter butterfly and added a third-place finish in the 100-meter butterfly. As a junior, she won the national title in her age group in the 200-meter individual medley and finished third in the 200-meter butterfly. She also earned national podium finishes in previous years, including second in the 100-meter butterfly and third in the 200-meter butterfly.
Personal
Born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, on Dec. 8, 2008. Daughter of Alberto Lizarduy Martínez and María Castillo Gomez de Segura. Has one older brother, Sergio, who is also a swimmer and is studying to become a teacher.
Plans to pursue a degree in the sciences and participate in undergraduate research while at UNH. Her long-term goal is to become a research scientist working to develop innovative solutions to global scientific challenges.
Speaks Spanish and Basque fluently, is proficient in English, and also has knowledge of German. She enjoys learning new languages and hopes to add French and Italian in the future.
Outside of swimming, enjoys reading, surfing, hiking, roller skating, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite athlete is Spanish swimmer Jessica Vall, while she admires renowned primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall and Spanish astronaut Sara García.
Favorites
- Book: La chica del lago
- Movie: The Odyssey
- Athlete: Jessica Vall
- Hobbies: Reading, surfing, hiking, roller skating, spending time with friends and family
Why UNH?
"I like the variety of majors and especially the opportunities related to science. I've always been very interested in biology and physics, and I like that science is an important part of the university. I also appreciate the opportunity to explore different interests before deciding exactly what I want to focus on."
Fun Fact
Iris comes from a large extended family of more than 20 relatives, creating plenty of memorable stories and family adventures. She also considers learning languages one of her greatest talents and enjoys challenging herself to learn new ones.
