NORTHAMPTON - Smith College swimming and diving announced its 2025-26 awards at its annual team banquet this past Saturday. 

2025-26 Season Highlights

• 9 wins (most since 1985-86 season)
• 6th place finish at NEWMACs (best since 2008)
• School record in the 400 medley relay
• 21 new all-time top-5 performers
• 4 student-athletes named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team
• 14 NEWMAC Academic All-Conference selections (second best in conference)

I am super proud of Susannah, Abby, Katherine, Jessie, Molly, and Cady. I am so proud of this entire team - many were strongly considered for awards. Ultimately, these 6 really stepped up in a variety of ways - through their performances, their grit, and as supportive teammates. They've set a high bar to follow - but I know this team is only beginning its rise and that we'll set an even higher bar next season! - Head Coach Caleb Potvin

Rookie of the Year - Susannah Winfield (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora)
Winfield led all first-year team members with 144 points scored through the season. She got the year off to a strong start by winning the 200-yard breaststroke at the WPI Quad meet back on October 31st. She closed the year with two top-10 finishes at the NEWMAC championship.

Most Improved - Abigail Caputo (Newton, MA/Newton North)
Caputo closed out her senior year in style. She was one of our senior captains who helped lead the team to historic success. Abby made some history of her own, after consistently improving throughout the season, Abby broke the 1-minute barrier in the 100-yard butterfly at the NEWMAC championship.

Iron Bear - Katherine Welsh (St. Paul, MN/Saint Paul Academy)
Welsh put in an extra session per week in the weight room and it paid off with her best season in her career: another trip to NCAA Regionals, claiming the 1-meter championship at the Ithaca Invitational, and securing a 6th and 3rd place finish at the NEWMAC championship on the 3 and 1 meter boards.
**This award goes to the team member that demonstrated the most consistency, commitment, effort, and positive attitude during strength and conditioning practices. Additionally, this team member encouraged others while also making individual improvements in the weight room throughout the season. Finally, this award recognizes the individual's commitment to best recovery practices and positive work with the athletic training staff.

Most Valuable - Jessie Wang (Princeton, NJ/Princeton)
Wang led all team members with their 275 points scored this season. Overall, Jessie placed in the top-3 22 times, including 14 1st place finishes. Jessie's 6th place finish at the NEWMAC championship in the 200 yard butterfly was the best conference finish for a swimmer on the team.

Golden Banana - Molly Seneker (Mercer Island, WA/Mercer Island)
Molly provided invaluable energy and support to the team that was critical in establishing the team's competitive and family-like atmosphere. She led by example through her grit and provided a laugh or a shoulder to lean on whenever it was most needed.
**This award recognizes the upperclass athlete who personifies the Wild Bunch Spirit through their selfless commitment and dedication to team above self. This award is given to acknowledge and honor work that may go unrecognized, formally paying tribute to, and showing appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by this person that allow our team culture to flourish.

Coaches Award - Cadence Dorrian
Dorrian altered her racing line up during her senior year with the goal of helping the team. This included taking on the mile. Cadence dropped over a minute in the event through the season and ended up placing 13th in the event at the NEWMAC championship. Her leadership - especially with the first years - was instrumental in the team's success. 
**This award recognizes the upperclass athlete that exemplifies the very best of Smith Swim and Dive. It rewards the characteristics of leadership, commitment, and being coachable. Additionally, it rewards the consistency at which the individual has contributed to the team through their performance and actions throughout their years on the team.

"Abby, Cady, Grace, Katherine, and Molly have left this team better than how they found it. Their tireless efforts to help lead our team helped create an outstanding team culture that was directly responsible for our success this year. We will miss them dearly, but are excited to see how they continue to positively impact our program as alumnae." - Head Coach Caleb Potvin

About Smith Athletics Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information, log on to GoSmithBears.com and follow the Bears on Facebook and Instagram.