Students Calyx Turco and Kate Monnett from the Belmont University Swim Club swam in the Collegiate Club Nationals earlier this month. Held in Atlanta, Georgia, swimmers from around the nation who have received qualifying times get the chance to compete head-to-head against the top tier swim clubs. Turco and Monnett both received their qualifying times in the Music City Invitational, held in Nashville back in February.
The swimmers had signed up for the meet hoping to get back into the regular rhythm of a competitive swim team and ended up with qualifying times in five different events. “We didn’t expect to qualify. It was an opportunity that was just too good to pass up. It was difficult getting here, but it was definitely worth it,” Monnett said. “It’s been very informational, and now we know what we can do to make our swim club stronger next year.”
Turco, a freshman this year, competed in the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, and 100-yard IM. Monnett, a sophomore, competed in the 50-yard and 100-yard breaststroke. While neither girl placed top 20 to compete in finals, both came out with solid times and laid a strong foundation for next season, making a name for the Belmont University Swim Club.
The national championship is a three-day event. This year was the first annual competition, and it will be held next year at the Ohio State University natatorium. “We’re definitely going to push harder next year,” said Monnett. “Now that we know we can make it, we have a goal to spend all season training for.”
“We’ve already come up with plans for developing the team next year,” Turco stated. “We’re really excited to see what the next few years bring and how we can grow our team to be stronger than ever.”
The Belmont University Swim Club practices Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Centennial Sportsplex. For more information on how to get involved, email swimbelmont@gmail.com.
