Women’s Swimming welcomes five incoming student-athletes

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (July 26, 2023) – Milligan University head swim coach Spencer Scarth announced the addition of five new women who will join his program as commits for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.

Scarth's squad graduated just one student-athlete this past year, Rachel Connell, a College Sports Communicators First Team Academic All-American, a multiple time NAIA qualifier and AAC finalist. This new group will look to build off of consecutive AAC championships and fifth-place national finishes.

"This is an extremely strong foundational group, in that each of these individuals truly wants to be here for Milligan and will be tremendous ambassadors for our program," said Scarth. "They are an incredibly well rounded group outside of the pool that will continue to build off of our well established foundation for this team for years to come. I could not be happier for the opportunity to work with each and every one of them and I'm very excited to see where this group helps lead us in the future."

Below is the full list of Scarth's class for the upcoming swim season.

Tessa Schwartz I Franklin County High School I Winchester, TN

Top Events: 100 Breastroke (1:17.03) 50 Breastroke (36.69) 100 Free (1:01.31)

Why Milligan: "I committed to Milligan because the team already feels like a family even when I've only been apart of it for a little while. The awesome team aspect and the Christian based curriculum are two very important things me. I am truly thankful I found Milligan and that Milligan found me!"

Mikayla Best I Southwest Aquatics of Georgia I Hamilton, GA

Top Events: 100 Fly (59.52) 200 Fly (2:10.76) 50 Free (25.43)

Why Milligan: "I absolutely love the campus in the mountains, and the campus ministry clubs and programs are perfect for helping me pursue a career in ministry in the future. I've known I wanted to swim in college since I was 8 years old, and the swimming program at Milligan feels like the perfect fit."

Abigail Jackson I YNWL Bolts I Shreveport, LA

Top Events: 100 Free (57.33) 100 Back (1:03.01) 500 Free (5:39.35)

Why Milligan: "I fell in love with not only Milligan but the team when I visited. Everyone made me feel like I was at home and I couldn't wait to be a part of that!"

Sarah Melinsky I Barracuda Swim Club I Jonesborough, TN

Top Events: 100 Back (1:04.26) 200 Back (2:23.41) 100 Free (59.31)

Why Milligan: I decided to commit to because i really enjoy the community that Milligan has. I also have grown up near Milligan and have wanted to go to the university since I first moved to Tennessee. I'm very excited about the opportunity that Milligan has provided me and am excited to join the team!"

Transfers

Hanne te Velthuis I University of the Cumberlands I Beerzerveld, Overijssel. The Netherlands

Top Events: 50 Free (23.77) 100 Free (52.11) 200 Free (1:52.88)

Why Milligan: "I decided to commit to Milligan for their excellent occupational therapy program, their great swim team and the welcoming environment, to both continue my education and swimming career. Excited for this opportunity!