BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — For the first time in program history, the College of Saint Benedict Swim and Dive team is celebrating a historic double honor. On the heels of outstanding performances at the CSB/SJU Invitational on Oct. 18, junior swimmer Haley Zelen and sophomore diver Emma Netland have both been named Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Athletes of the Week, the league announced Monday.
It marks the first time CSB has earned both the Swimming Athlete of the Week and Diving Athlete of the Week titles in the same week — and the 21st and 22nd MIAC weekly honors in program history.
Zelen’s award is her second consecutive MIAC Swimmer of the Week recognition, and it’s easy to see why. Competing at the Warner Palaestra Pool in Collegeville, Zelen delivered another electric performance, winning four events and rewriting school history once again. In the 100 butterfly, she lowered her own school record from 57.09 to 57.07 — a mark she had just set the week prior. She also dominated in the sprints, clocking a blistering 23.97 in the 50 freestyle, the third-fastest time in CSB history and just one hundredth of a second faster than the previous third-place record held since 2012. In the 100 freestyle, her time of 52.90 again etched her name into the top three performances all-time.
To top it off, Zelen anchored the winning 200 medley relay team alongside Lauren Sitzman, Megan Bartels, and Anna Schottler, finishing in 1:53.19.
Meanwhile, on the diving boards, Netland continued her breakout season. She edged out teammate Abby Stevens by just four-tenths of a point in the 3-meter event, posting a winning score of 160.70. Netland also placed third on the 1-meter board with 161.75 points. The MIAC Diver of the Week honor is the first of her career and comes just a week after she won the 1-meter title at the Hamline Diving Invite on October 13.
Powered by these standout efforts, the Bennies amassed an impressive 811 points to claim a decisive team victory at the CSB/SJU Invite — well ahead of Minnesota-Morris (620), Hamline (314), Concordia (207.5), and Augsburg (141.5).
The CSB Swim and Dive team will look to carry their momentum into this weekend, as they head to St. Paul for a dual meet against Macalester College on Saturday, October 25.
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.