UNC Asheville ‘Senior Celebration’
- Saturday, January 29, 2022
- Asheville, N.C.
Courtesy: UNCA Athletics
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville swimming & diving team closed out its home schedule by hosting a ‘Senior Celebration’ Saturday morning at the Justice Center Pool.
The celebration began by honoring the program’s nine seniors: Alexis Baker, Hannah Bruno, Marlee Burgess, Lauren Dunne, Amelia Ham, MacKenzie Humphrey, Anna Nabors, Ellis Nelson, Maren Oliver.
“Celebrating my college swimming career today was surreal,” said Nabors after her final home meet as a Bulldog. “The past four years have absolutely flown by, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of ladies standing by my side. We especially missed having Coach Lykins and Lauren with us. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to swim for UNC Asheville and contribute to the program’s success. I will carry the lessons I’ve learned as a Bulldog and the friendships that I’ve made with me for the rest of my life.”
Throughout the meet, the seniors appeared on the ESPN+ broadcast as they reflected on their respective careers in Asheville.
“This meet was amazing,” Bruno said after her final time competing at the Justice Center Pool. “The energy was great, and it felt amazing to celebrate four fantastic years! I am so grateful to have been a part of such an amazing team and had such an opportunity to grow myself and watch my teammates do the same. I can’t wait to see our team finish our season in a few short weeks!”
In the meet itself, the Bulldogs competed in 13 different events on the day, with two relays bookending the action. Nine different Bulldogs won an individual event in the 2021-22 home finale. The individual winners were: Kylie Johnson (200y free – 2:03.04), Delaney Carlton (100y back – 1:00.47), Sammy Kershner (100y breast – 1:10.13, 200y breast – 2:32.95), Alexis Walker (200y fly – 1:13.19), Nora Segurola Larrinaga (50y free – 24.43, 200y IM – 2:13.93), Christa Jones (100y free – 52.48), Caitlin Hefner (200y back – 2:12.24), Julie Lahiff (500y free – 5:24.04), Riley Edmundson (100y fly – 59.60).
“Being a Bulldog is what shaped me into who I am today,” Ham added in conclusion. “The support and love from the team and staff make me so appreciative to have been able to be a part of this team. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!”
The Bulldogs will be back in action on February 16-19 when they compete in the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) Swimming & Diving Championships in Lynchburg, Virginia.
