Liberty Howell Becomes First in MVC History to Win 12 Individual Titles

2021 MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

FINAL TEAM SCORES 

  1. Missouri State – 929.50
  2. Southern Illinois – 548.50
  3. Indiana State – 475.50
  4. Illinois State – 444
  5. UNI – 344
  6. Evansville – 328.50
  7. Little Rock – 318
  8. Valparaiso – 117

MVC Awards

  • Swimmer of the Year: Anna Miller, MSU
  • Freshman Swimmer of the Year: Mima Zaborska, SIU
  • Swimming Coach of the Year: Dave Collins, MSU
  • Diver of the Year: Caroline Lecoeur, ILS
  • Freshman Diver of the Year: Ally Brown, SIU
  • Diving Coach of the Year: Jim Huelskamp, MSU

Missouri State senior Liberty Howell made history over and over again at this week’s MVC Championships. Her journey this week began with her winning her 4th-consecutive 500 free title, then she went on the win her 4th 200 free title on day 2. With her win in the 200 free, she became just the 4th swimmer in MVC history to sweep 2 events at MVCs. She also became the first swimmer to win 11 individual MVC titles.

Howell then solidified her place in MVC history on the final day of the meet, winning the 1650 free, which was her 4th title in that event as well. She is now the first swimmer in MVC history to go a perfect 12-for-12 on individual conference races. She’s also the overall winningest swimmer in MVC history, having won a total of 23 MVC titles when relays are included.

Here is the list of all Howell’s MVC title-winning swims:

2018

  • 200 free – 1:48.63
  • 500 free – 4:48.18
  • 1650 free – 16:35.84

2019

  • 200 free – 1:48.48
  • 500 free – 4:50.92
  • 1650 free – 16:46.29

2020

  • 200 free – 1:47.31
  • 500 free – 4:48.35
  • 1650 free – 16:44.16

2021

  • 200 free – 1:46.72
  • 500 free – 4:44.47
  • 1650 free – 16:43.08

Howell went out with bang in terms of her times this year as well. She improved over all of her 2020 winning times, and all but her 1650 this year were lifetime bests. She also broke the MVC Record in the 200 free, taking it under 1:47, and just narrowly missed the MVC Record in the 500.

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Inclusive Parent
2 years ago

What an amazing accomplishment. How in the world was she not named Swimmer of the Year? Would love to hear about Anna Miller. Hope she took down a bunch of MVC records. Congrats Liberty!

College Swimmer
Reply to  Inclusive Parent
2 years ago

Because Anna Miller went 3/3 on records as well. Usually if multiple swimmers go 3 for 3 in individual titles, they turn to the performances themselves. How many were records? How many were NCAA standards, etc. (Former MVC swim coach here, so just how I understood things back then).