Marshfield’s own Bailee Nunn has been selected as one of College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association’s (CSCAA’s) 100 greatest swimmer and divers of the past century. The selections were announced by CSCAA in celebration of the organization’s 100th year.
Thousands of nominations were made for the accolade, including current and former college swimmers. Of the 973 finalists, coaches along with members of the media ultimately selected Nunn as a top 100.
“It was an incredible feeling,” stated Nunn. “I was very honored to see my name on that list with so many amazing athletes. I called my parents to tell them the news, they were both extremely proud and happy for me. It truly is an amazing honor.”
Occasionally Nunn will still swim for exercise purposes but she has hung up her towel when it comes to competitive swimming.
Nunn has an impressive resume. She was a part of the Olympic Trials in 2016, competing in the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke and finishing 31st in the 200-meter individual medley.
During her time as a Drury University Panther, Nunn was the Great Lakes Valley Conference women’s swimmer of the year as a freshman in 2016-17. Her sophomore year (2017-18) she won four individual national titles (100 and 200-yard breaststroke, 100 butterfly, and 200 IM) and at the end of the meet, she again brought home the Division II Women’s Swimmer of the Year award. She went on to defend all four of those titles with wins in the 2019 championships.
Last year, Nunn won the 50-meter freestyle, but the 2020 meet was canceled midway through due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Claiming 10 titles total throughout her college career, Nunn mentioned that the sport has taught her the true definition of dedication. Wether in the pool or out, “You have to work for what you want and not to give up even during hardships.”
“I faced many adversities and injuries throughout my college career,” explained Nunn. “My family and friends were always there to support me and help me get back to where I needed to be despite the challenges and setbacks I faced. I always had them for a shoulder to lean on.”
This year, Nunn has ventured away from Marshfield and is currently living in Virginia where she is an assistant swim coach for the University of Lynchburg.
“I am very honored to be selected for a list like this,” said Nunn. “There are many names on here that have competed and won medals at the Olympics and I would have never thought I would see my name up there too.”
View the full list HERE: CSCAA Names 100 Greatest Women's Swimmers & Divers
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here