St. Kate's swim team dives into MIAC victory

The St. Kate’s swim and dive team took home their first Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Championship title on Feb. 15, finishing above St. Thomas and Gustavus. The Wildcats ended the day with fourteen first-place wins and various prestigious honors.

One such honor was presented to Jordyn Wentzel 22’ (Exercise Science and Nutrition), who was named the MIAC Swimmer of the Year for the second consecutive season. Likewise, Coach Justin Zook was named MIAC Coach of the Year for the third season in a row.

Wentzel broke several records throughout the course of the championship, including the NCAA Division III 200-yard breaststroke time and the MIAC meet and overall record, earning her an invite to the 2020 NCAA Championships in March. Team members Amelia Baxley, Sydney Grohman, Franceska Hernandez-Nietling, Macy Klein, Margaret Menso, and Hannah Svendson also earned invites to the Championships.

“Winning MIAC championships as a team was the biggest highlight for me,” said Wentzel. “Watching all my teammates give their all in every race and getting to cheer them on.”

There is an active culture of support and encouragement that flourishes among the St. Kate’s swimming and diving team. The swimmers cheer each other on to victory and keep spirits alive when times are tough.

The junior class celebrating the win.

“I think our team motto "all heart, all the time" embodies what makes us special,” said Molly McMahon 21’ (Exercise Science), who finished sixth in the 1,650-yard freestyle. “We do not simply go through the motions, but rather we care about doing the process correctly with a positive attitude.”

Annie Voss 23’ (Nursing) feels the same way. “Every person on the team puts the team before themselves,” said Voss. “ It is such a great feeling to know that you have 24 other girls cheering for you no matter what.”

With this historic win behind them, the team is already looking forward to next season, hoping to capitalize upon the momentum of the championship and build an even stronger line-up. With new swimmers committed and team members like Wentzel looking forward to two more years swimming for St. Kate’s, chances are the Wildcats’ successes will only continue to grow.

“As my first year competing with the St. Kate’s swim and dive team, I was blown away by our accomplishment of winning the program’s first-ever MIAC Championship,” said Amelia Baxley 22’ (Public Health). Baxley earned a first-place finish in the 200-yard backstroke. “I am so proud of everyone and the hard work we put in to make this experience possible.”

Many of the swimmers agree that what makes the team great, and what will continue to help them thrive, is a focus on growth in and out of the pool, which allows each athlete to cultivate important skills that will remain applicable long after they leave St. Kate’s.

“There are very few programs that care about each student-athlete as a whole person, but I feel lucky to have found one that does,” McMahon said. “Our coaching staff supports each person on the team and works hard to teach us how to be the best versions of ourselves.”

“I love representing this school and having the Wildcat logo on my cap,” Wentzel said. “I love how much we have improved and feel honored to be a part of the change that this program is going through.”

The 2020 NCAA Championships will be held March 18-21 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Wish our Wildcats good luck!