Bennie Swimmer Qualifies for NCAA Division III Nationals

Haley Zelen is the first College of St. Benedict swimmer to reach nationals in 24 years.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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College of St. Benedict junior Haley Zelen has qualified for the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships, earning berths in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 100 butterfly events. She will compete at the national meet on March 18-21 in Indianapolis, becoming the first Bennie swimmer to reach nationals in 24 years.

Why it matters

Zelen's qualification is a significant achievement for the College of St. Benedict swimming program, which has not had a swimmer reach the national championships in over two decades. Her success highlights the growth and development of the Bennies' swimming team and could inspire future generations of student-athletes at the school.

The details

Zelen, a native of Shakopee, Minnesota, earned her spots in the NCAA Division III national meet by posting strong times in three individual events. She will compete in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 100 butterfly at the championships, which will feature a total of 579 participants (526 swimmers and 53 divers).

  • Zelen qualified for nationals on February 27, 2026.
  • The NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships will take place on March 18-21, 2026 in Indianapolis.

The players

Haley Zelen

A junior swimmer at the College of St. Benedict who has qualified for the NCAA Division III national championships in three events.

College of St. Benedict

A private liberal arts college for women located in St. Joseph, Minnesota.

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What’s next

Zelen will compete at the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships in Indianapolis from March 18-21, 2026.

The takeaway

Haley Zelen's qualification for the NCAA Division III national meet is a historic achievement for the College of St. Benedict swimming program, which has not had a swimmer reach this level of competition in 24 years. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and it could inspire future Bennies to strive for similar accomplishments.