Greensboro, N.Y. - March 15, 2023 -Springfield College's Mikaili Charlemagne (Casteries, St. Lucia) made quite the statement in her NCAA Division III Championships debut at the Greensboro Aquatic Center on Wednesday as she earned First Team All-America honors in the 50 freestyle.
Having previously represented St. Lucia in the Olympic Games, Charlemagne made the most of her first trip to the NCAA Championships as she finished seventh in the nation in the 50 freestyle en route to All-America honors. She is the first Springfield College women's swimmer to earn First Team All-America recognition since 2017 and the first honoree in the 50 free since 2014. Entering the national meet with the seventh-fastest qualifying time of 23.18, Charlemagne turned in a 23.34 in the prelims, securing the eighth and final spot into the finals. In the championship race, Charlemagne turned in a 23.41 to take seventh.
Kay Shen (Hong Kong) also represented Springfield on the national stage in the 50 free. Racing in lane five of the seventh heat of the prelims, Shen made her nationals debut in the 50 freestyle. After previously qualifying with a time of 23.18, the sophomore posted a 23.81 as she finished 35th nationally in the event.
In the 200 medley relay, Erin Kelaher (Tucson, Ariz.), Lefteri Roba (Worcester, Mass.), Charlemagne and Shen swam the first of their five relays on the week and produced a time of 1:48.41 to finish 28th in the country.
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