Swimming and Diving Proclaims Finish-of-Season Awards

NORTHAMPTON – Smith College swimming and diving introduced its 2025-26 awards at its annual workforce banquet this previous Saturday. 

2025-26 Season Highlights

• 9 wins (most since 1985-86 season)
• sixth place end at NEWMACs (greatest since 2008)
• School document within the 400 medley relay
• 21 new all-time top-5 performers
• 4 student-athletes named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team
• 14 NEWMAC Academic All-Conference choices (second greatest in convention)

I’m tremendous happy with Susannah, Abby, Katherine, Jessie, Molly, and Cady. I’m so happy with this whole workforce – many had been strongly thought of for awards. Ultimately, these 6 actually stepped up in a wide range of methods – by way of their performances, their grit, and as supportive teammates. They’ve set a excessive bar to observe – however I do know this workforce is barely starting its rise and that we’ll set a good increased bar subsequent season! – Head Coach Caleb Potvin

Rookie of the Year – Susannah Winfield (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora)
Winfield led all first-year workforce members with 144 factors scored by way of the season. She obtained the 12 months off to a powerful begin by successful the 200-yard breaststroke on the WPI Quad meet again on October thirty first. She closed the 12 months with two top-10 finishes on the NEWMAC championship.

Most Improved – Abigail Caputo (Newton, MA/Newton North)

Caputo closed out her senior 12 months in model. She was one among our senior captains who helped lead the workforce to historic success. Abby made some historical past of her personal, after persistently bettering all through the season, Abby broke the 1-minute barrier within the 100-yard butterfly on the NEWMAC championship.

Iron Bear – Katherine Welsh (St. Paul, MN/Saint Paul Academy)

Welsh put in an additional session per week within the weight room and it paid off together with her greatest season in her profession: one other journey to NCAA Regionals, claiming the 1-meter championship on the Ithaca Invitational, and securing a sixth and third place end on the NEWMAC championship on the three and 1 meter boards.

**This award goes to the workforce member that demonstrated essentially the most consistency, dedication, effort, and constructive angle throughout power and conditioning practices. Additionally, this workforce member inspired others whereas additionally making particular person enhancements within the weight room all through the season. Finally, this award acknowledges the person’s dedication to greatest restoration practices and constructive work with the athletic coaching employees.

Most Valuable – Jessie Wang (Princeton, NJ/Princeton)

Wang led all workforce members with their 275 factors scored this season. Overall, Jessie positioned within the top-3 22 occasions, together with 14 1st place finishes. Jessie’s sixth place end on the NEWMAC championship within the 200 yard butterfly was one of the best convention end for a swimmer on the workforce.

Golden Banana – Molly Seneker (Mercer Island, WA/Mercer Island)

Molly supplied invaluable power and help to the workforce that was important in establishing the workforce’s aggressive and family-like ambiance. She led by instance by way of her grit and supplied fun or a shoulder to lean on every time it was most wanted.

**This award acknowledges the upperclass athlete who personifies the Wild Bunch Spirit by way of their selfless dedication and dedication to workforce above self. This award is given to acknowledge and honor work that will go unrecognized, formally paying tribute to, and displaying appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by this individual that enable our workforce tradition to flourish.

Coaches Award – Cadence Dorrian

Dorrian altered her racing line up throughout her senior 12 months with the aim of serving to the workforce. This included taking over the mile. Cadence dropped over a minute within the occasion by way of the season and ended up putting thirteenth within the occasion on the NEWMAC championship. Her management – particularly with the primary years – was instrumental within the workforce’s success. 

**This award acknowledges the upperclass athlete that exemplifies the easiest of Smith Swim and Dive. It rewards the traits of management, dedication, and being coachable. Additionally, it rewards the consistency at which the person has contributed to the workforce by way of their efficiency and actions all through their years on the workforce.

“Abby, Cady, Grace, Katherine, and Molly have left this team better than how they found it. Their tireless efforts to help lead our team helped create an outstanding team culture that was directly responsible for our success this year. We will miss them dearly, but are excited to see how they continue to positively impact our program as alumnae.” – Head Coach Caleb Potvin

About Smith Athletics Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports activities. For extra info, go online to GoSmithBears.com and observe the Bears on Facebook and Instagram.