KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (uncabulldogs.com) - UNC Asheville senior Delaney Carlton wrapped up competition and her swimming career at the NCAA Division I Swimming and Diving Championships on Saturday (Mar. 18).
Carlton competed in her last collegiate race in the 100-yard freestyle, finishing second in her heat with a time of 49.58 besting an opponent from Ohio State by .30 seconds.
"This week has been such a great experience!" said Carlton. "I have met some really inspiring people, learned a lot from my swims and been lucky to be coached by some of the best coaches on pool deck. The support I have received has been unreal and it means so much to hear words of encouragement from people who want to see me and UNC Asheville Swim and Dive succeed. This is the first of many UNC Asheville appearances at NCAAs, and I can't wait to see what this team can do in the years to come!"
"This was such an exciting opportunity at nationals for Delaney and our staff," said head coach Elizabeth Lykins. "This incredible experience makes us appreciative, yet hungry for even more exposure on the national stage. I want to thank our entire staff for their hard work in preparation for NCAA's, especially Ian Quinn and his passion for the sport. The Swim & Dive program has reached new heights during Delaney's four-year tenure as a Bulldog and we want to thank her for her hard work and dedication to our sport."
The Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) is a progressive NCAA Division I conference dedicated to the enhancement of opportunities for students. The conference was founded in 2008 to provide a championship opportunity for Swimming and Diving student-athletes and extended that opportunity with the addition of Beach Volleyball in the summer of 2015. The league's footprint extends into several states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. The CCSA is dedicated to the student-athletes who compete in its championships and their success in the classroom, in the field of competition, and life after graduation.