Kean Swimmer becomes First All-American in the Program’s History

By Anthony Reyna | Published April 10, 2023

In the midst of Women’s History Month, one of Kean University’s own has etched her name into the University’s history books. 

Junior Public Health Major Naomee Miller recently became the first Kean swimmer to participate in the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships. 

Miller, and the Kean Women’s swimming team as a whole, enjoyed an incredibly memorable season, finishing with an 11-0 overall record, the first undefeated season in program’s history, while also setting over 50 new school records in total.

“The NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships is an incredible opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes in Division III”, said Women’s Swimming Head Coach Chris Swenson.

In the 5 years since Swenson began coaching swimming at Kean, the women’s team boasts a 31-20 overall record and has broken over 160 school records for swimming; something that the team takes pride in, but doesn’t set out for leading up to an event. 

“When I am racing, I am not typically thinking about ‘breaking’ a record. I am trying to focus on the race plan, what Chris [Swenson] and I talked about before the race, and what I need to do to have the best race I can have,” said Miller.

On the final day of the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships, Miller added another prestigious milestone to her resume by being named the first All-American Swimmer in Kean University History. 

Miller finished 5th in the consolation final of the Division III championship, while setting a new school record of 2:18:13 in the 200 Breast.

“I am so proud of her and everything we accomplished as a program this season!” said Swenson following the event.

“Being named the program’s first all-American is a tremendous honor. I honestly never thought this is something I would accomplish. This time last year, I thought I was done swimming for good, so being an all-American with only 10 weeks of training is one of my proudest accomplishments,” Miller said. 

“When I finished and looked at the board, it was a moment of relief because I had not swum that fast in a long time. Then I looked over at Chris and my parents and sister in the stands, and everyone just looked so proud and happy.”

Despite all of the achievements from this season, Miller still feels as though she is just getting started and there is much room left for improvement.

“I think every season brings its own learning experience. They are never the same; there are always ups and downs. But having learning experiences and successes is how I grow as an athlete,” Miller said.

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