Truman State University Athletics

The 2008 Truman State University Women’s Swimming Team restored the Bulldogs to the top of NCAA Division II swimming, capturing the program’s seventh national championship in eight seasons and reaffirming Truman’s place as one of the greatest dynasties in collegiate athletics.

After winning six consecutive NCAA Division II championships from 2001 through 2006, the Bulldogs saw their remarkable streak end with a runner-up finish in 2007. Rather than allowing that disappointment to define the program, the 2008 team responded with determination, resilience, and championship poise. Under third-year head coach Mark Gole, Truman reclaimed the national crown and demonstrated that the program's success extended well beyond any single graduating class or championship streak.

The Bulldogs entered the season with a veteran roster led by seniors Molly Polette, Whitney Wodstrchill, Emily Greenwood, Emily Pufall, Laura Harp, Katie Welsh, Karen Goolsby, and Stephanie Robinson. That group had experienced both the heights of national championships and the disappointment of the 2007 runner-up finish, providing the leadership necessary for another championship run.

Truman compiled a 6-2 dual-meet record during the regular season and posted strong performances throughout the year. The Bulldogs won the Tampa Relays, finished second at the Miami (Ohio) Invitational, captured another New South Intercollegiate Swimming Conference championship, and positioned themselves for a run at the national title.

The NCAA Division II Championships were held March 12-15, 2008, at the Mizzou Aquatic Center in Columbia, Missouri. The championship turned into one of the closest battles of Truman’s dynasty. Entering the meet, the Bulldogs faced a formidable challenge from longtime rival Drury University. When the final event concluded, Truman had accumulated 461.5 points, narrowly defeating Drury’s 449 points. The 12.5-point margin represented the closest national championship victory of Truman’s championship era and highlighted just how competitive the meet had become.

The defining characteristic of the 2008 team was its depth. All 14 Truman swimmers who qualified for the national championships earned All-America recognition by scoring points during the meet. Every point proved crucial in a championship decided by little more than a dozen points.

Sophomore Kate Aherne emerged as the breakout star of the national meet. Aherne captured the NCAA Division II national championship in the 200-yard individual medley and added fifth-place and sixth-place finishes in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyles, respectively. She also contributed to three scoring relay teams, helping earn a remarkable eight All-America honors during the national championships.

Senior Molly Polette capped one of the finest careers in program history with another outstanding performance. Polette finished second in the 500-yard freestyle, 1,000-yard freestyle, and 1,650-yard freestyle while placing third in the 200-yard freestyle. She also helped lead the Bulldogs to a national championship in the 800-yard freestyle relay and a runner-up finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay.

Senior Whitney Wodstrchill once again proved to be one of the nation’s most versatile swimmers. She earned All-America honors with a fourth-place finish in the 200-yard backstroke and sixth-place finish in the 400-yard individual medley while also contributing valuable relay points.

The Bulldogs’ relay performances played a decisive role in securing the national championship. Truman captured the national title in the 800-yard freestyle relay, with Aherne, Kendra Brunkow, Polette, and Pufall combining to deliver one of the meet’s most important victories. Truman also added a runner-up finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay and fourth-place finishes in both the 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard freestyle relay.

Several other Bulldogs delivered key scoring performances. Erika Anderson finished seventh in both breaststroke events, Emily Greenwood earned All-America honors in both backstroke races, Anna Grinter finished fourth in the 200-yard butterfly, Laura Harp placed seventh in the 100-yard butterfly, Claire Myers scored in the 400-yard individual medley, and Katie Welsh earned All-America honors in both the 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard butterfly.

The Bulldogs also continued the program’s longstanding tradition of academic excellence. Truman remained one of the top academic swimming programs in Division II, with numerous team members earning conference and national academic recognition while balancing the demands of competing at the highest level of collegiate swimming.

For his leadership in returning the Bulldogs to the top of Division II swimming, Mark Gole was named NCAA Division II Women’s Coach of the Year, earning the honor for the second time in three seasons. His award continued a remarkable tradition of coaching excellence within the Truman program and validated the successful rebuilding effort following the end of the six-year championship streak.

The 2008 team occupies a unique place in Truman swimming history. Rather than extending an existing streak, these Bulldogs faced the challenge of restoring championship expectations after losing the national title the previous season. By responding with resilience, depth, and determination, they reclaimed the NCAA Division II championship and secured Truman’s seventh national title in an eight-year span. Their accomplishment served as a reminder that the Bulldogs’ dynasty was not defined by a single streak, but by a culture of excellence that continued to produce champions year after year.

2007-08 Schedule and Results

Season Summary

• Dual Meet Record: 6-2

• NSISC Champions

• NCAA Division II National Champions

• NCAA Championship Score: 461.5 points

• NCAA Runner-Up: Drury (449.0 points)

• Margin of Victory: 12.5 points

• Seventh NCAA Championship in eight seasons

All-Americans and Honorable Mention All-Americans

2007-08 Championship Roster

Alphabetical by Last Name