- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Danville Today
By the People, for the People
Centre College Swimmer Caroline Lee Shines in Final Home Meet
Lee wins two events, sets school records, and leads relay team to second-place finish in SAA Championships
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
In her final home meet at Centre College, senior swimmer Caroline Lee capped off her collegiate career with an impressive performance at the Southern Athletic Association Championships. Lee won the 50-yard freestyle with a new meet and school record, tied for first in the 100-yard freestyle, and swam a stunning anchor leg in the 400-yard freestyle relay to lead the Colonels to a second-place finish.
Why it matters
Lee's standout performance in her final home meet is a testament to her hard work and dedication over her four years at Centre College. As a local product from West Jessamine High School, her success highlights the strength of the swimming program at Centre and the impact student-athletes can have on their community.
The details
Lee won the 50-yard freestyle in 23.31 seconds, breaking a 17-year-old school record, and tied for first in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 51.73 seconds. She also placed third in the 100-yard backstroke and swam the anchor leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay, where her split time of 50.42 seconds would have broken the school record and been the fifth fastest time in the country this season.
- Caroline Lee competed in her final home meet at the SAA Championships on February 25, 2026.
- Lee won the 50-yard freestyle and tied for first in the 100-yard freestyle at the championships.
The players
Caroline Lee
A senior swimmer at Centre College and a graduate of West Jessamine High School, Lee capped off her collegiate career with a standout performance at the SAA Championships.
Dean Brownley
The head coach of the Centre College swim team, Brownley has been a strong supporter of Lee throughout her career and was excited to see her succeed in her final home meet.
Katelynn Stanczyk
A member of the Centre College swim team and one of Lee's best friends, Stanczyk competed alongside Lee in the 200-freestyle relay.
Olivia Headley
Another member of the Centre College swim team and one of Lee's best friends, Headley competed alongside Lee in the 200-freestyle relay.
Amy Benson
A swimmer from Trinity College who tied Lee for first place in the 100-yard freestyle event.
What they’re saying
“It was so great having my parents, family and coaches to celebrate with. (Coach) Dean (Brownley) was excited for me all season and really encouraged me, so to have such a special final home meet was just amazing.”
— Caroline Lee (yoursportsedge.com)
“Swimming is such a mental sport and often the less thinking you do the better, especially with short distance events. I wanted to enjoy my final home meet. There are no guarantees about going to nationals and I knew this might be my last 50 free.”
— Caroline Lee (yoursportsedge.com)
“I really didn't think it was possible to break the record. It's hard to drop time in the 50 but I got to take a shot at it and it all worked out great. I didn't look immediately at the scoreboard when I finished. I looked at Dean first. He was so excited that I knew something special had happened and then I looked at the scoreboard.”
— Caroline Lee (yoursportsedge.com)
“I was just trying to keep up with the girl next to me and didn't think my final 50 would be that strong. I gave it all I had and just put my heart out there and it paid off.”
— Caroline Lee (yoursportsedge.com)
“I am still trying to wrap my head around the time. The stars must have aligned just right or something. I try to breathe on the side where my teammates are, and I could see them jumping and going crazy. To see them cheering and my coaches going crazy at the end was special. I didn't want to let my coaches down.”
— Caroline Lee (yoursportsedge.com)
What’s next
Lee plans to pursue a Master's degree in elementary education and become a preschool teacher after graduating from Centre College. While she is unsure if she will continue competitive swimming, she is considering taking up other high-intensity sports like CrossFit or pickleball to stay active.
The takeaway
Caroline Lee's standout performance in her final home meet at Centre College is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the strong support system she has had throughout her collegiate swimming career. Her success not only highlights the strength of the Centre swim program but also the impact student-athletes can have on their local community.
