Truman State University Athletics

After delivering the first national championship in Truman State Athletics history in 2001, the 2002 Truman State Women's Swimming Team removed all doubt about its place among the nation's elite by successfully defending its NCAA Division II National Championship in record-setting fashion.

Led by eighth-year head coach Seth Huston, assistant coaches Jess Martin and Joe Fanthorp, and student assistants Josh Diehl, Christie Williamsen, and Spencer Gillis, the Bulldogs produced one of the most dominant performances in NCAA Division II championship history. Despite graduating NCAA Division II Swimmer of the Year and Honda Award recipient Jess Martin, Truman continued its ascent, developing exceptional depth and emerging as the unquestioned powerhouse of Division II swimming.

The Bulldogs entered the NCAA Division II Championships in Orlando, Florida, as defending national champions and quickly separated themselves from the field. Truman led runner-up Drury by 37 points after the opening day, extended the advantage to 61 points through two days, and increased the margin to 119 points entering the final day. When competition concluded, Truman amassed 733 points, defeating Drury (548) by 185 points, the second-largest margin of victory in NCAA Division II Women's Swimming Championship history at the time. West Chester finished third with 434 points.

Freshman sensation Diana Betsworth emerged as the meet's most outstanding performer, earning NCAA Division II Women's Swimmer of the Meet honors. Betsworth captured national championships in the 200-yard freestyle, 1,000-yard freestyle, and 1,650-yard freestyle while adding a runner-up finish in the 100-yard freestyle. She also swam on the national champion 400-yard freestyle and 800-yard freestyle relay teams and the runner-up 200-yard freestyle relay team. Betsworth established NCAA Division II records in both the 200 freestyle and 1,000 freestyle and was later nominated for the Honda Award recognizing Division II's top female athlete.

Senior Liz Hug added one of the finest performances of her career, winning national championships in the 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle while helping three relay teams claim national titles. Hug set an NCAA Division II record in the 200 IM and added second-place and third-place finishes in the 200 freestyle and 1,000 freestyle, respectively.

The Bulldogs dominated relay competition throughout the national meet, winning four of five relay events. Truman captured national championships in the 200-yard medley relay, 400-yard medley relay, 400-yard freestyle relay, and 800-yard freestyle relay, while the 200-yard freestyle relay finished second. Remarkably, all four national champion relay teams established new NCAA Division II records.

Truman's depth was unmatched. In the 1,000-yard freestyle alone, the Bulldogs claimed the top four positions with Betsworth, Bridget Riley, Hug, and Katie May. Betsworth, Hug, and Kelli Dudley finished as the top three scorers at the national championships, while Riley tied for fourth, Sarah Dance finished seventh, and Sarah Wells ninth.

The team's accomplishments extended beyond athletic success. Eight Bulldogs earned CSCAA Academic All-America honors, while Diana Betsworth and Gina Fettig were recognized as MIAA Presidential Scholars. Numerous student-athletes also earned Academic All-MIAA and Verizon academic honors, continuing the program's tradition of excellence in the classroom.

For the fourth consecutive season, Seth Huston was named NCAA Division II Women's Swimming Coach of the Year. By the conclusion of the championship meet, Truman swimmers had established seven NCAA Division II records, 16 school records, and won nine national championships, cementing the 2002 team as one of the most dominant in program and NCAA Division II history.

The Bulldogs finished the year with a 7-4 dual-meet record, captured the Central States Championship, and successfully defended their NCAA Division II title. Their overwhelming performance transformed Truman from a first-time champion into a national dynasty.

2001-02 Schedule and Results

Season Summary

• Dual Meet Record: 7-4

• Central States Champions

• NCAA Division II National Champions

• NCAA Championship Score: 733 points

• Margin of Victory: 185 points

2001-02 Championship Roster

Alphabetical by Last Name

All-Americans and Honorable Mention All-Americans