BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Week after week, Haley Zelen keeps raising the bar and rewriting the record book for the College of Saint Benedict swim and dive team. Following another standout meet that featured three victories and yet another program-best mark, the junior from Shakopee, Minn., has been named the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Swimming Athlete of the Week for the fourth time this season.
Zelen’s latest accolade comes after a dominant performance at UW–La Crosse on Nov. 8, where she swept her individual events despite the Bennies’ 179–114 dual loss. She opened with a win in the 50 freestyle (23.91), shaving time off her previous best and securing the third-fastest swim in school history. From there, she claimed the 100 freestyle (53.00) and again rewrote the record books in the 100 butterfly (56.33) — lowering her own program record for the fifth consecutive meet.
She also helped the 400 medley relay team of Mary Morris, Megan Bartels, and Josey Larson to a second-place finish in 4:09.94, capping another stellar outing.
Through the early portion of the 2024–25 campaign, Zelen has been the definition of consistent excellence. She’s piled up 19 event victories, including 17 individual titles, while setting six school records along the way. She now has 11 top-10 program marks.
Zelen and the Bennies will look to extend their momentum when they travel to St. Cloud State for a dual meet on Nov. 15.
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.