After losing All-American Angela Newlon and the rest of a talented senior class, the Tigers have returned a strong group of experienced swimmers along with 13 first-years looking to prove themselves this season.
“I think overall, the freshmen have stepped into their role… the current sophomores, juniors, and seniors have really had to mature and step into leadership roles which they’ve done really well,” said Head Coach Shea Davisson.
After a win over Indiana Wesleyan at their first home meet, DePauw placed second out of 13 teams at the Phoenix Fall Classic at the University of Chicago.
“Our season is off to a great start. We had a really strong mid-season taper meet in Chicago… with all season-best times,” said junior Mary Woods who placed third in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100 breaststroke.
The Tigers relay teams also had strong performances, with the 200 free, 800 free, and 400 free all finishing third.
First-years Katherine Douglas, Riley Steffey, Rachel Graves, and Ali Tallen also made their presence felt at the meet with multiple top 10 finishes.
Although a ways off, DePauw is looking to finish at least third behind powerhouses Kenyon College and Denison University at Conference in February.
“Every little bit counts. At our conference meet, we can score 18 people, and we have 20 swimmers. So just about everybody’s going to help us. We’re excited,” said Davisson.
The team looks forward to the conference meet, but also the training that comes before.
“We’re looking forward to a fun training trip in Florida over winter break and focusing hard from now until NCACs in February,” said Woods.
The Tigers will take on Butler University and IUPUI at the Pentathlon Meet this Friday followed by a meet against Indianapolis before break.