University of Wyoming swimmer and fifth-year senior Katelyn Blattner has been named the University’s nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year.
“I honestly was a bit shocked when I was told that I would be the nominee for UW. I was very humbled that the staff at the University wanted to nominate me because of my academic and athletic achievements as a student-athlete.” Blattner said.
“I realize that there are numerous female student-athletes at the University of Wyoming that are worthy of this award. But, to be chosen by the athletic and academic staff is a great feeling.”
Throughout her five years at the University of Wyoming, Blattner has established herself as one of the most decorated athletes in the University’s history.
Blattner’s career was capped by earning Mountain West Conference Swimmer of the Year honors after an impressive performance at the February 2022 Mountain West Swimming and Diving Championships.
She topped the fields at the meet in the 200- and 500-yard freestyles, posting school record times of 1:46.82 and 4:44.74, respectively.
Blattner has racked up a total of 6 individual conference titles throughout her career, winning the 200- and 500-yard freestyles at each of the last three Mountain West conference championships. She has also been named an All-Mountain West performer 11 times.
“My favorite part about swimming is all of the life lessons I’ve learned as a swimmer over the past 18 years,” Blattner said.
“The sport has taught me self-discipline and that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, whether it be physically or mentally. I will always be grateful for staring at a black line at the bottom of a pool because it taught me a lot about myself and just about life in general. Swimming also gave me friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”
In addition to Blattner, five hundred seventy-six other nominees across all three divisions have been named for this award. Nominees are evaluated based on four pillars: academics, athletics, service, and leadership.
A shorter list of nominees will be announced in August, with just one nominee from each conference.
