St. Mary’s College of Maryland Women’s Swimming Triumphs in Atlantic East Championship, Shattering Records
St. Mary’s City, Md. – The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s swimming team made a triumphant return to the top of the Atlantic East Conference, clinching their program’s third championship title and first since 2022. In a stunning display of dominance, the Seahawks left their competitors in the wake, securing a remarkable 276-point lead over the runners-up.
With a total of 841 points, St. Mary’s College achieved their highest score since joining the Atlantic East Conference in the 2020-21 season. This victory marks the team’s third conference title, building on their previous triumphs in 2021 and 2022. The accolades didn’t stop there, as sophomore Kelsie Miller was crowned Atlantic East Swimmer of the Year for the second year in a row, showcasing her exceptional talent across multiple events.
The Seahawks culminated their championship campaign with a historic win in the 400-freestyle relay, setting both a conference championship meet record and an Atlantic East record with a phenomenal time of 3:37.53. The quartet of Miller, first-year standout Mandy Cartwright, junior captain Venus Kai Judge, and sophomore Emerson Young delivered a performance for the ages, solidifying their place in swimming history.
In individual events, Miller continued to shine by defending her title in the 200-butterfly, securing a back-to-back victory with a swift time of 2:09.80. Judge added to the team’s success with a third-place finish in 2:19.95, while first-year Jesse Slingluff showcased her potential by claiming sixth place in 2:34.97. The podium was a familiar sight for the Seahawks, with Young clinching gold in the 100-freestyle, touching the wall in 54.19. First-year Addison Willey and Cartwright also made their mark with a bronze and fifth-place finish, respectively.
A standout performance came from first-year Lauren Goulet in the 1650-freestyle, where she secured a commendable second place with a time of 19:30.32, demonstrating her endurance and determination. Meanwhile, in the 200-backstroke, sophomore Kaitlyn Soldon showcased her prowess with a bronze medal performance of 2:21.39, while senior captain Emelina Grimm and first-year Isa Bianco delivered solid performances to contribute to the team’s success.
The 200-breaststroke event saw five Seahawks scoring points, with first-year Ella Malzahn leading the charge with a fifth-place finish in 2:41.32. The team’s depth was evident as first-year Natalie Canham and junior Bella Ramirez secured sixth and eighth place, respectively. In the consolation final, junior Kate Pass claimed victory with a time of 2:48.14, underscoring the team’s resilience and competitive spirit.
As the St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s swimming team basks in the glory of their Atlantic East Championship triumph, they now set their sights on the NCAA Division III Swimming Championships, slated to take place from March 19-22 at the Greensboro Aquatic Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in their storied journey, as they prepare to showcase their talent on a national platform.
As the Seahawks gear up for the prestigious NCAA Division III Swimming Championships, the team is poised to make a splash on the national stage and continue their winning streak. Stay tuned as these remarkable athletes dive headfirst into the next chapter of their swimming journey, with the hopes of securing more accolades and etching their names in the annals of swimming history.
