Ball State University Athletics
Wednesday, March 18
Atlanta, Ga.
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NCAA Championships
Kelly Turns in Strong Performances at 2026 NCAA DI Women's Swimming & Diving Championship
March 20, 2026 | Women's Swimming and Diving
ATLANTA, Ga. – Senior Payton Kelly concluded competition at the 2026 NCAA DI Women's Swimming & Diving Championship Saturday morning, completing her trip at Georgia Tech's McAuley Aquatic Center with a strong performance in the 100 freestyle.
As a bonus swim on the closing day of the four-day meet, Kelly was added to the pool of competitors in the 100 free where she placed 44th with a time of 48.76.
The Mid-American Conference 2026 Most Outstanding Swimmer opened action Friday in the 100 backstroke prelim, touching the wall at 52.56 to place 41st. She followed that with an appearance in the 50 freestyle, finishing 33rd with a time of 22.18.
With the Ball State swimming & diving program's 2025-26 campaign officially at a close, both the men's and women's teams are focused on preparations for next season's competitions.
SATURDAY MORNING PRELIM RESULTS
100 Freestle | Program Record - 48.58 by Payton Kelly in 2026
44th - Payton Kelly - 48.76
FRIDAY MORNING PRELIM RESULTS
100 Backtroke | Program Record – 52.07 by Payton Kelly in 2026
41st – Payton Kelly – 52.56
50 Freestyle | Program Record – 21.18 by Payton Kelly in 2026
33rd – Payton Kelly – 22.81
As a bonus swim on the closing day of the four-day meet, Kelly was added to the pool of competitors in the 100 free where she placed 44th with a time of 48.76.
The Mid-American Conference 2026 Most Outstanding Swimmer opened action Friday in the 100 backstroke prelim, touching the wall at 52.56 to place 41st. She followed that with an appearance in the 50 freestyle, finishing 33rd with a time of 22.18.
With the Ball State swimming & diving program's 2025-26 campaign officially at a close, both the men's and women's teams are focused on preparations for next season's competitions.
SATURDAY MORNING PRELIM RESULTS
100 Freestle | Program Record - 48.58 by Payton Kelly in 2026
44th - Payton Kelly - 48.76
FRIDAY MORNING PRELIM RESULTS
100 Backtroke | Program Record – 52.07 by Payton Kelly in 2026
41st – Payton Kelly – 52.56
50 Freestyle | Program Record – 21.18 by Payton Kelly in 2026
33rd – Payton Kelly – 22.81
Players Mentioned
Free, Back
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