ST. JOSEPH, Minn. — The College of Saint Benedict swim and dive team has opened the season with momentum that continues to build, fueled by personal bests, career marks, and a growing presence in the program record book. That progress will be on full display Saturday, Jan. 24, when the Bennies host Carleton on Senior Day at Warner Palaestra Pool in Collegeville, Minn.
Under the direction of head coach Mandy Wolvert, Saint Benedict has steadily evolved with each meet. What began as a runner-up finish at the St. Catherine Pentathlon on Oct. 11 has grown into a two-month stretch defined by breakthrough swims, dominant relay performances, and consistent improvement across the roster. Following a midseason training trip to Puerto Rico, the Bennies returned to competition against Gustavus, falling 191–107, and now look to carry their development forward as the championship portion of the season approaches. After Saturday’s meet, CSB will compete at the Minnesota First Chance Meet in Minneapolis on Feb. 6–7 before closing the season at the MIAC Championships on Feb. 11–14, also in Minneapolis.
Saturday will also serve as a celebration of the program’s seniors, as CSB honors Morgan Stout (Des Moines, Iowa), Lauren Sitzman (Omaha, Neb.), and Megan Bartels (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) for their contributions to the Bennies.
Season Preview
The Bennies’ progress is reflected clearly in the numbers. Across nearly every event, CSB swimmers and divers have posted top-tier performances this season, with multiple school records, NCAA Division III B cuts, and all-time program marks.
unior Haley Zelen (Shakopee, Minn.) has authored one of the most dominant stretches of swimmingin program history. Zelen earned MIAC Swimming Athlete of the Week honors on Dec. 9 following a record-shattering performance at the Rochester Invite, marking her fifth weekly conference honor — the most in program history. During the 2025 season alone, she has been recognized by the MIAC on Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Nov. 4, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9.
At Rochester, Zelen rewrote the CSB record book. Shebroke three individual school records, helped set a relay record, recorded three NCAA Division III B cuts, and contributed to seven top-10 performances in program history. She opened the meet by lowering the 50 freestyle record twice in one day, ultimately winning the final in 23.07. She followed by crushing her own 100 butterfly record with a 54.72, earning another NCAA B cut. Zelen also teamed with Mary Morris (St. Cloud, Minn.), Megan Bartels (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), and Anna Schottler (Chanhassen, Minn.) to break the school record in the 200 medley relay.
At the Rochester Invite, CSB continued with near-record performances in the 100 breaststroke and another top-two all-time relay swim in the 400 medley relay. Zelen capped the meet by breaking the 100 freestyle record with a winning time of 50.79 and helping the 400 freestyle relay post the second-fastest time in program history. Overall, CSB finished eighth at the Rochester Invite with four school records and nine top-10 marks. Josey Larson (Hastings, Minn.) added the sixth-fastest 200 butterfly time (2:14.27) in program history, while senior Morgan Stout (Des Moines, Iowa) recorded a career-best 5:18.04 in the 500 free, now 10th all-time at CSB.
Earlier in the season, the Bennies showcased their growing depth in a dual against NCAA Division II St. Cloud State. Despite a 203–90 setback, CSB collected four event titles and 20 top-five finishes. Zelen won three individual events and helped the 400 medley relay place second alongside Morris, Larson, and Jayda Alholm (Little Falls, Minn.). CSB also captured the 200 freestyle relay with a lineup featuring Alholm, Bartels, Lydia Jostock (Delano, Minn.), and Ava Niksich (Hermantown, Minn.).
At UW–La Crosse, Zelen delivered another standout performance with three individual victories and two school records, earning her fourth MIAC Swimmer of the Week honor. Morris claimed a win in the 200 backstroke, while Larson, Bartels, and Stout continued to establish themselves as consistent contributors across multiple events. Even in defeat, the Bennies left La Crosse with four event wins and 18 top-four finishes.
CSB also split competition at the St. Catherine/St. Olaf Double Dual, rolling past St. Catherine and battling a strong St. Olaf squad. Zelen reset her 100 butterfly record for the fourth straight week, Larson broke into the CSB top 10 with a win in the 200 butterfly, and the Bennies totaled six event victories. On the diving boards, Emma Netland provided steady performances with top-six finishes in both events.
That momentum began to take shape earlier in the season during a competitive dual with Macalester, where CSB tallied seven event wins and 18 top-three finishes. Zelen broke her own 100 butterfly record for the third straight week, Larson and Schottler earned their first collegiate victories, and the Bennies’ relays continued to show championship-level potential.
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.