Sophie Phelps ’29 helped women’s swim and dive capture their third consecutive first-place finish at the NESCAC Championships on Feb. 15, winning NESCAC Rookie of the Year. The award reflected a strong first season in which Phelps consistently won her events and was named NESCAC Women’s Swim and Dive Performer of the Week in December.
Phelps competed in seven events at NESCACs, and won all three of her individual races — the 200 IM, 400 IM, and 100 freestyle. She also contributed to three pool record-breaking performances in the 800 freestyle, 200 freestyle, and 400 medley relays, while helping the Ephs secure a second-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay, behind Amherst.
Phelps started the meet off strong on Thursday, Feb. 12, anchoring the 800 freestyle relay and securing the first win of the meet alongside Esme Van Orden ’29, Carter Roebuck ’27, and Lily Codd ’26. The relay time finished with a time of 7:20.41.
For Phelps, her first event at the NESCACs marked a particularly meaningful experience. “Everyone on my team kept telling the other first-years and me that NESCACs were ‘magical,’” Phelps wrote in an email to the Record. “I didn’t fully believe this until I swam my first race. Everyone was so loud and excited, it was awesome.”
The following day, Maggie Farley ’29, Irene Yang ’26, Phelps, and Emma Dimter ’27 competed in the 200 freestyle relay, posting a time of 1:32.39 to break the school record set in 2018.
Phelps emphasized how her teammates’ energy fueled her during the races. “Behind the blocks, especially during a relay, when I see the rest of my teammates at the other side of the pool cheering, I get really pumped up to score points for us,” Phelps wrote.
On Saturday, Phelps competed in the 400 IM, where she won by an impressive six seconds, touching in at 4:20.58.
On the last day, after finishing second in her final event, the 400 freestyle relay, Phelps was named NESCAC Rookie of the Year. Earning the title was an honor in itself, but Phelps said the support and excitement of her peers was what mattered most to her. “Being named [Rookie of the Year] was exciting for me, but the best part was how all of Williams was just as excited,” she wrote. “I love how supportive and happy everyone is for each other.”
Her teammates also noted their enthusiasm. “We were all ecstatic, it was amazing,” Caterina Li ’26 said. “After the last day, [her award] was definitely not a surprise, but it’s so nice hearing it on the loudspeaker.”
Phelps’ journey to collegiate swimming began at a young age. Growing up in Nantucket, Mass., she spent much of her childhood swimming at the beach before eventually joining a local club team. Since becoming an Eph, her perspective on the sport has broadened. “Being at Williams has let me see how much of a team sport swimming is,” Phelps wrote. “It’s always been so individualized on my club team … I’m super grateful for how the captains and the rest of the group foster such a welcoming and uplifting environment.”
Phelps’ teammates highlighted her own contribution to this strong team culture. “Every day, Sophie brings a light into practice and brings a smile to everyone’s face,” Li said. “Just having her presence on deck really brings out the most in all her teammates as well.”
Co-captain Gracie O’Connell ’26 praised Phelps’ composure in high-pressure moments. “She’s always had a smile on her face behind the block, and it’s very admirable,” O’Connell said. “She gets up and she’s so calm.”
The team now turns its attention to the upcoming NCAA Div. III Championships, which begin on March 18. Phelps hopes to enter the meet with the same determination and dedication that have guided her throughout the season thus far. “We talk about having no regrets on this team a lot,” Phelps wrote. “My main goal hasn’t changed, which is to finish off this season having fun with my teammates, especially those who are seniors, and knowing I gave it everything I had.”
