Carlynn Emerson’s versatility swimming breaststroke, butterfly and the IM have been essential for the UNC Asheville Bulldogs. Her butterfly and breaststroke skills were crucial on the freshman record setting 200 and 400 medley relays.
Background
Emerson grew up in Gastonia, North Carolina with her parents, older brother and younger sister. She dove into the pool at age five for the Gaston Gators and hasn’t stopped swimming since. At 15, She started swimming for the Aquatic Team of Mecklenberg. Emerson had the opportunity to represent ATOM at North Carolina Sectionals.
Racing for Forestview High School, Emerson placed 10th in the 100 butterfly at North Carolina State Championships. She was also successful in the classroom as a member of the National Honors Society. She graduated as a Junior Marshal, placing top 15 academically in her class.
Freshman Year
Emerson enjoyed a successful year with the Bulldogs. She consistently raced the 100 butterfly, 100 breaststroke and 200 IM at dual meets. Her 3rd place points were aided Asheville in their win over Brenau. Emerson was also the top point scorer for the Bulldogs in the 200 IM at their double-dual meet against Queens College and Lenoir-Rhyne. At the Wingate Fall Frenzy Invitational, she raced lifetime best times in the 100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke. Emerson carried that momentum all the way to the 2015 Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association Championships, racing best times in the 200 butterfly and 200 IM. She was also a member of the freshman record setting 200 and 400 medley relay teams. Emerson would finish her freshman season with CCSA All-Academic Honors.
Sophomore Year
Emerson enjoyed a breakout season with the Bulldogs. She continued to specialize in the breaststroke events and the 200 IM. She raced to a personal best time in the 100 breaststroke at the 2015 Georgia Tech Mid Season Invitational. The time didn’t stand for long, however, as Emerson would race 100% personal best times at the 2016 Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association Championships. Her personal best time in the 100 butterfly at the meet gave Emerson confidence for her upcoming breaststroke events. She would race in the B final of the 100 breaststroke, touching the wall with a best time of 1:08.18. Most notably, Emerson scored 21st place points in the 200 breaststroke, earning two personal best times in one day.
Volunteering/Community Outreach
Rocky’s Readers
MLK Day of Service
Manna Food Bank Food Packaging Day
National Women and Girls in Sports Day
Top Times
100 butterfly 59.64
200 IM 2:14.63
100 breast 1:08.18
200 breast 2:27.43
200 medley relay 1:49.78 (freshman record)
400 medley relay 4:06.97 (freshman record)
