The Colgate University Women’s Swimming and Diving Team just capped off its best season in more than four years. The Raiders finished 6-2, breaking team records and putting up strong performances against top teams like Boston University and the Naval Academy.
Senior Audrey Collins talked about how, even though some final results may say “L” on their record, those losses can’t measure how far the team has come in these past few years.
“If my freshman self looked at the team where it was this year, I’d probably faint,” Collins said. “I wouldn’t believe it, honestly. And it just goes to show the culture on our team and the hard work we put in and the love we have for each other just goes so far.”
The season ended on Feb. 21, the last day of the Patriot League Championships. The Raiders finished in sixth place for the first three days and then seventh on the final day, securing several A-final appearances and fourth-place finishes in the process.
Among the outstanding performances, one in particular stood out: junior MG King won the 200-yard backstroke, becoming the first Raider to secure a gold medal since 2013. They were also one of two Raiders to earn Patriot League First-Team Honors, alongside Collins.
King commented on how their victory was emblematic of larger improvements within the team.
“As trite as this sounds, it was a team effort,” King said. “I really felt that it was a collective victory for Colgate. We say, like, ‘Colgate’s on the map now,’ but I really do think the way this program has changed, even in the time that I’ve been here, that really came out in a lot of the races over the weekend, and I’m very, very proud of all of us.”
King added that, after non-ideal performances in the first two days of the tournament, they were not expecting to do well in the 200 back event, let alone secure first place.
“On the last day, I had very, very low expectations for myself,” King said. “I think Ed, our coach, saw that, and I think the people around me also saw that, but all it really took was for a couple people to really look me in the eye and say: this is your thing. Just lock in.”
King said the feeling of reaching the end of the race was both nerve-racking and exciting.
“My hands were totally numb, and I was worried that I was going to get too excited and stop swimming,” King said. “I totally thought I was going to stop pulling water because I was like, ‘oh my gosh, this is happening.’”
Collins also found success throughout the tournament, breaking the school record in the 100m fly and qualifying for three A-finals. She came away with a total of 74 points to secure 13th-best in the tournament.
Collins also noted how meaningful the last race of her collegiate career was to her.
“I don’t remember swimming the race, I just remember getting out of the pool and MG standing there waiting to give me the biggest hug. I remember being like, ‘these are the moments that matter.’ Just the little moments of being on a team is very special,” Collins said.
King also praised Collins for finishing her collegiate career on a strong note.
“Mind you, Audrey did get on the first all-league team on points alone, which is insane. She was one of the top scorers in the entire meet, and that’s tough,” King said.
Head Coach of the Colgate Swimming and Diving Teams, Ed Pretre, noted the immense impact of King and Collins on the team as a whole.
“MG and Audrey have had a tremendous impact on the team,” Pretre said. “Both are incredibly humble athletes who genuinely care about their teammates, and that mindset is contagious. Their leadership and dedication have been fantastic for the program, helping the team make steady progress each season.”
King and Collins attributed team culture to their success at the tournament and throughout the season. Although the team lost some top scorers in the spring to injuries and semesters abroad, the Raiders came together and put together strong performances.
King noted the team’s ability to stay together and succeed despite the challenges they faced.
“It’s good to see hard work pay off and it’s also good to be able to celebrate that as a team,” King said. “There’s something very deeply special about our women’s team. We’re just always there for each other.”
Collins echoed that sentiment, noting how she feels extra motivation when surrounded by her teammates.
“You want to do well for yourself, but it’s more so like you want to do well to make your teammates proud, your coaches proud and your parents proud,” she said. “I think it’s just the best feeling ever to get out of a race and have your whole team behind the blocks congratulating you. It’s my favorite part of swimming, for sure.”
Collins also emphasized how the team’s energy and attitude give them an advantage during competition.
“I think that something that sets Colgate apart from other teams is just our environment deck,” Collins said. “No other team is going that crazy for their winners. There’s just a shift in attitude on our team. Our positivity and confidence going into the meets has been insane this year.”
Four years ago, Colgate Swimming and Diving was at the bottom of the Patriot League. Collins talked about how their recent ascent in the standings is due to a deeper drive throughout the program.
“It’s exciting to watch how we progressively chase down team by team and move up in the ranks,” she said. “My freshman year, we were chasing Lafayette, then it was Holy Cross, and then American, who we got this year, which is exciting. I think our next step is maybe Lehigh.”
Colgate’s progress throughout the past few seasons has turned into a full-circle moment for King, who reflected on the growth they have seen.
“I remember when I was being recruited, Ed told me what his vision was like. He was being very honest with me; he said we’re at the bottom of the Patriot League right now, we will be the underdogs, but with the people he was recruiting and the people he continues to recruit, we’re not going to be the underdogs for much longer,” King said.
Pretre was right. The future is bright for the Raiders – both players and coaches are excited for what’s to come.
