Escanaba senior Irene Neumeier signs her letter of intent to the University of Texas Permian Basin on Jan. 6, 2026 at Escanaba High School. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — Today was not just another day for Escanaba senior Irene Neumeier, it was the beginning of a new chapter of life as she signed her letter of intent to the Univerity of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) for swimming.

“I always wanted to go somewhere warm,” Neumeier said. “When I went and visited I thought it would be a good fit for me. I got to meet some of the teammates down there and it was nice getting to know them and it was a great atmosphere there as well.

Neumeier was All-U.P. Swimming selection in 2024 and 2025 as well as breaking her own record in the 100 Fly last season with a time of 1:03:72. Gladstone coach Tom Desy has coached Nuemeier since she was five-years old and stated that she always loved being in the water.

“She has a great work ethic and leads by example,” Desy said. “That is why she is the captain of the team and I wish all my swimmers would have her attitude o9f having fun while being the best they can be and I will certainly miss her on the team next season.”

Neumeier will be studying Biology at (UTPB) and is looking for a job in the medical feild.

“I would like to be a Physician’s assistant in dermatology or cardiology,” Neumeier said. “It is something I think will be a field where I can continue to grow and learn.”

Neumeier said that being on the high school team and been one of her favorite moments of her career and is excited to take the next step to the college level. Neumeier will begin classes at (UTPB) in the Fall of 2026.