BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — For the third time this season, Haley Zelen of the College of Saint Benedict swim and dive team has been named the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Swimming Athlete of the Week. The honor follows another standout performance that included four event victories and yet another school record.
With this latest recognition, Zelen becomes a three-time MIAC Athlete of the Week in the 2024–25 season, bringing the Saint Benedict swim and dive program’s all-time total to 23 weekly MIAC honorees. She is also the first in program history to earn three MIAC Swimming Athlete of the Week honor three times in a season. With her outstanding performance, the junior from Shakopee, Minn., also earned The House/St. Cloud Orthopedics CSB Athlete of the Week award after her record-setting performance.
At a recent double dual meet against St. Catherine and St. Olaf, Zelen continued her remarkable run by claiming or contributing to four victories. For the fourth straight week, she broke her own program record in the 100-yard butterfly, posting a time of 56.47 seconds, surpassing the 56.68 she set just one week earlier.
She also earned individual titles in the 100 breaststroke (1:06.76), the fourth-fastest time in program history, and the 50 freestyle (24.25), just shy of her season-best 23.97. She capped off the meet by teaming with Anna Schottler, Mary Morris, and Josey Larson to win the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:40.29.
So far this season, Zelen has amassed 16 event wins, including 14 individual titles, and has broken five school records. She has reset the 100-butterfly mark four times and recorded nine top 10 times in CSB history.
Zelen and the Saint Benedict swim and dive team will look to keep their momentum going when they travel to face Wisconsin–La Crosse in a dual meet on Saturday, Nov. 8.
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.