After securing gold in the 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke events, along with contributing to two relay victories, Wiarda earned the title of Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year. Her standout performance included a win in the 200-back with a season-best time of 2:05.60, coupled with a personal best of 2:10.95 in the 200 IM finals, securing a fourth-place finish. Wiarda's exceptional efforts amassed 55 individual points for the Cardinals, further bolstered by her pivotal roles in the 400 medley relay and 800 free relay victories, contributing an additional 80 points to the team's tally.
Wiarda's accolade also marks the second consecutive Rookie of the Year honor for the Cardinals, following Katie Herman's recognition at the 2023 championship. Furthermore, Wiarda joins an esteemed group as the fifth swimmer from the women's program to be lauded as the league's Rookie of the Year.