LANCASTER, Pa. – The Atlantic East Conference celebrated excellence in women’s swimming by announcing the 2024 All-Atlantic East Conference Women’s Swimming Teams, with St. Mary’s College of Maryland making significant waves. The college’s women’s swim team secured six all-conference honors, including three of the four major awards, highlighting their prowess in the pool.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Casey Brandt, alongside his dedicated staff Carolyn Sutton ’20, Christian March, and Zach Shattuck, the Seahawks clinched the Atlantic East Coaching Staff of the Year award for the third time. This recognition comes after a stellar performance that led to a second consecutive runner-up finish at the Atlantic East Women’s Swimming Championship. The coaching team’s expertise has been acknowledged with this award previously in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, marking this year’s win as a continuation of their legacy of excellence in coaching within the Atlantic East Conference.
Kelsie Miller, a standout first-year swimmer from Potomac, Maryland, emerged as a dual threat, winning both the Atlantic East Swimmer of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors. Miller’s extraordinary achievements make her the fifth Seahawk to receive the Swimmer of the Year honor, showcasing the depth of talent within St. Mary’s College’s swimming program. Her ability to secure these awards as a first-year competitor underscores her exceptional talent and sets a high bar for her collegiate swimming career.
Miller, alongside her teammates Anna Kidd, Marissa Fields, Lilianna Bowman, Venus Kai Judge, and Kate Holland, garnered First and Second Team awards, demonstrating the team’s overall strength and competitiveness. Miller’s impressive haul included gold medals in individual and relay events, setting championship meet records, conference marks, and even a school record in the 100 butterfly. Her performance at the conference championship meet was not only a testament to her skill but also to the high level of training and preparation provided by the coaching staff.
Anna Kidd, a senior, wrapped up her Seahawk career with a remarkable 26 All-Atlantic East awards, including 21 First Team honors, cementing her legacy as one of the conference’s most decorated swimmers. Marissa Fields, another senior, ended her collegiate swimming career on a high note, achieving her first career First Team All-Atlantic East honors.
The achievements of St. Mary’s College swimmers at the 2024 All-Atlantic East Conference underscore the program’s commitment to excellence and the athletes’ dedication to their sport. The Seahawks’ success at the championship and their sweeping of major awards reflect the strength and depth of their team, setting a high standard for the future and highlighting the college’s prominent position within the Atlantic East Conference swimming community.
