Madeleine Dunn was named the 2026 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Swimmer of the Year following the championships at Wesleyan University in February, according to Tufts University on Mar. 16.
Dunn’s recognition marks a significant achievement for both her and Tufts, as she is the first student-athlete from the university to receive this honor. Her performance included winning three races at the meet, notably setting a new school record in the 1,650-yard freestyle with a time of 16:47.11, surpassing her previous record by more than two seconds. This victory was her third consecutive first-place finish in that event.
Adam Hoyt, women’s swimming and diving coach at Tufts, said consistency has been key to Dunn’s success. “It’s hard for me to think of too many athletes that have been as consistent as Madeleine,” Hoyt said. “Whether she’s got a cold, an upcoming exam, or family obligations, she’s always shown an amazing ability to manage all of those things.”
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Dunn said she was surprised by the award given the strong competition in NESCAC this year. “When I found out I was the first Tufts student-athlete to be awarded the title, I couldn’t believe it either,” Dunn said. “There have been so many incredible swimmers on past teams, national champions and Olympic trial qualifiers. It’s really special, and I’m very honored.”
Dunn began swimming competitively at age nine in Austin, Texas and has held multiple school records during her collegiate career at Tufts. She credits her teammates for motivating her throughout her final season and values having served as a role model for younger swimmers on the team.
Looking ahead, Dunn will compete at the NCAA Division III national championship meet at Indiana University-Indianapolis from March 18-21 before graduating with a degree in biopsychology. She plans to take the MCAT and apply to medical school during a gap year while pursuing clinical research opportunities in Boston—and hopes to train for her first Boston Marathon.
