ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Junior swimmer Haley Zelen continues to make waves for the College of Saint Benedict swim and dive team. After another standout performance that included a school record and four event victories in a dual meet against Macalester on Saturday, Oct. 25, Zelen has been named The House / St. Cloud Orthopedics CSB Athlete of the Week—her second time earning the honor this season.
Zelen of Shakopee, Minn., has been on a remarkable streak. The two-time MIAC Swimming Athlete of the Week broke her own school record in the 100-yard butterfly for the third consecutive week, touching the wall in 56.68 seconds. Her record-breaking swim headlined a strong day, even as the Bennies fell, 167-132, to Macalester.
Zelen added two more individual victories, winning the 100 freestyle in 52.85 seconds, improving her No. 3 mark in program history, and claiming the 100-backstroke title in 1:01.00.
She also helped lead CSB to a win in the 200-medley relay, teaming up with Mary Morris, Megan Bartels, and Anna Schottler to post a season-best time of 1:50.96—just outside the St. Ben’s all-time top 10 list.
Through just three meets this season, Zelen has been a model of consistency and excellence. She has captured 10 individual wins, contributed to two relay victories, and set four school records, including three straight in the 100 butterfly. In total, she now holds 10 top 10 times in CSB history.
Next up, Zelen and the Bennies will travel to St. Paul on Saturday, Nov. 1, for a dual meet against St. Catherine and St. Olaf.
Nestled in the heart of beautiful St. Joseph, Minnesota, the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) Swimming program has proudly celebrated over 50 years of competitive excellence. The Bennies have built a tradition rooted in Courage, Strength, and Boldness (CSB) —values that guide them in the pool, the classroom, and throughout our community. What sets CSB Swimming apart is its unique collaboration with Saint John’s University: Bennie swimmers train together on the CSB campus, yet compete alongside the Johnnies, creating a dynamic and supportive environment that’s both competitive and community-driven. Throughout its history, CSB Swimming has produced 12 NCAA Division III All-Americans, a testament to the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Equally impressive is the Bennies’ academic success—achieving 18 consecutive years as a CSCAA Scholar All-America Team. This dual commitment to athletics and academics reflects the high-achieving nature of the student-athletes who wear the Bennie cap. With a strong legacy and an even stronger future, Bennies continue to inspire, lead, and push the limits.