Truman State University Athletics

The 2001 Truman State University Women's Swimming Team achieved what no team in school history had accomplished before, capturing the first NCAA national championship in Truman Athletics history. Under the leadership of seventh-year head coach Seth Huston and assistant coach Colleen Murphy, the Bulldogs completed a remarkable three-year ascent to the top of NCAA Division II swimming, finishing third nationally in 1999, second in 2000, and national champions in 2001.

The Bulldogs claimed the NCAA Division II Championship in Canton, Ohio, scoring 656 points to defeat runner-up Drury (610.5) and third-place UC San Diego (413.5). Truman seized the lead after the first day of competition, regained the top spot after the third day, and held off a talented field of 27 teams to secure the historic title. The championship capped a season in which the Bulldogs posted a 6-2 dual-meet record, won four invitational titles, captured the Central States Championship, and suffered only two losses by a combined 10 points.

The championship team was powered by one of the most accomplished individual performances in NCAA Division II history. Jess Martin earned NCAA Division II Women's Swimmer of the Year honors after winning national championships in the 200-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle, 1,000-yard freestyle, and 1,650-yard freestyle. Martin established an NCAA Division II record in the 1,000 freestyle with a time of 9:55.86 and set school records in both the 500 and 1,650 freestyles. Her historic season culminated with selection as the Honda NCAA Division II Athlete of the Year.

Kelli Dudley added a national championship in the 100-yard backstroke while earning runner-up finishes in the 200-yard backstroke, 200-yard individual medley, and 400-yard individual medley. Dudley established school records in the 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke, 200 IM, and 400 IM during her All-America campaign.

Truman also demonstrated exceptional depth throughout the championship meet. The Bulldogs captured national titles in the 200-yard freestyle relay (Sara Hatcher, Jess Martin, Katie May, Bryna Busch) and 800-yard freestyle relay (Liz Hug, Andrea Newton, Jess Martin, Katie May), with both relays establishing school records. Additional relay All-America performances included runner-up finishes in the 400-yard freestyle relay and 200-yard medley relay, along with a fifth-place finish in the 400-yard medley relay.

Nine Bulldogs earned individual All-America honors: Jess Martin, Kelli Dudley, Katie May, Bryna Busch, Sara Hatcher, Bridget Riley, Liz Hug, Andrea Newton, and Krista Pray. Additional honorable mention All-America recognition was earned by Alison Blyth, Bryna Busch, Liz Hug, Andrea Newton, Krista Pray, Jen Vogt, and Christie Williamsen.

The success of the team extended well beyond the pool. Christine Gould was recognized as an MIAA Presidential Scholar for the third consecutive season. Alison Blyth, Kelli Dudley, Liz Hug, Bridget Riley, and Jen Vogt earned CSCAA Academic All-America honors, while Dudley was also named Verizon Academic All-District VII At-Large Second Team. Dudley, Hug, Riley, and Vogt were selected Academic All-MIAA.

For his leadership of the nation's top team, Seth Huston was named the College Swimming Coaches Association of America Women's Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season.

Members of the championship roster included Tracy Baiotto, Alison Blyth, Bryna Busch, Kelli Dudley, Lindsey Ehret, Ellen Frick, Callie Fulmer, Christine Gould, Sara Hatcher, Liz Hug, Beth Joslin, Katherine May, Jess Martin, Andrea Newton, Meghan Osborn, Megan Pittman, Sophie McKay, Krista Pray, Kacie Rice, Bridget Riley, Michelle Seck, Amanda Shearer, Jen Vogt, Angela Walker, and Christie Williamsen.

The 2001 Bulldogs not only delivered the first national championship in Truman State Athletics history, but also established a national standard for excellence that launched one of the most dominant dynasties in NCAA Division II swimming. Their historic achievement paved the way for six additional national championships and secured their place among the greatest teams in Truman State history.

2001 National Championship Roster

Alphabetical by Last Name

2000-01 Women's Swimming Schedule

Schedule and Results