Emma Merkel, Calvin University
Freshman
Wyoming, Mich.

Freshman swimmer Emma Merkel (Wyoming, Mich. / Grandville) and the 20th-ranked Calvin University women's swimming and diving team won an impressive two-day showing at the Calvin Quad Invite on Saturday, topping Carthage, Albion, and Ohio Northern. Merkel set the tone by posting a career-best time in every event she swam. In her individual events, Merkel finished the 500 freestyle in 5:02.4, which is 7th in the NCAA so far this season, swam the 200 freestyle in 1:54.4, and the 200 backstroke in 2:01.3, which is 2nd in the NCAA this season. Merkel's impressive performance continued with the relays as she was the lead-off for the 400 Medley relay with a 100 backstroke time of 57.01, swam in the NCAA-leading 400 freestyle relay with the fastest split in the MIAA of 51.7, and swam in the 800 freestyle relay posting a 1:54 split.

2023-24 MIAA Women's Swimming Athletes of the Week

Oct. 2 - Maggie Farrell, Calvin

Oct. 16 - Meghan Bengelink, Calvin

Oct. 23 - Emma Merkel, Calvin 

Oct. 30 - Hannah Fathman, Albion