Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
Mountain West Championships
For the Sake of a Title
2/21/2025 9:04:00 PM | Women's Swimming & Diving
The Third Day of the Championship Brings the Defense
A set of Rams on a podium doesn't happen often.
However, for the 400-yard individual medley relay, both Erin Dawson and Maisy Barbosa graced the steps and came out with first and third in the event.
What makes it more magical, though, is the fact that Dawson defended her first title, winning the event for the second year in a row—something that hasn't happened since Colorado State's Breann Fuller won the 200 backstroke in both 2010 and 2011.
The 14-year gap was closed with Dawson's 4:13.28 performance, a race that was neck and neck with Washington State's Ariel Wang.
"I saw her on the backstroke," Dawson said. "And I was like, 'Oh man, I have to lock in.' But I knew I could bring it home faster than anybody. I was a little worried, but I knew that I wanted it more."
Defending a title is no easy feat, but Dawson rose to the challenge. With the target on her back as the reigning champion, she knew the competition would be fierce.
Yet, with each lap, she reaffirmed her dominance in the event. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure and deliver in the clutch speaks volumes about her training and mentality. Dawson's victory cements her status among CSU's greats, adding another milestone to her already impressive career.
"I think it's hard for any athlete to defend their title," coach Christopher Woodard said. "There are superstars from past years who are struggling now. This is a very deep conference, a very talented conference. I'm just happy for her because this season has arguably been more difficult. So, for her to defend her title, I know she's excited."
Dawson's performance was not the only thing to write home about during the third day of competition.
The day saw personal bests from swimmers like Katie Flynn in her 100 fly (54.86), Tess Whineray in the 100 back (53.26) and Mia Axelman's 200 free (1:48.90)—where the swimmer dropped an astounding 2.42 seconds from her entry time, placing 11th in the event.
"Mia's special in that we saw her ability in her freshman year, it just didn't pan out," Woodard said. "But she came into this meet as a non-scorer, just swimming exhibition. To see her on the scoring team is cool.
"Her goal at the beginning of the year was to just break 1:50. But to not only break that and put herself in the 1:48s and break into the top five all time, I don't think that's what she expected. This is what we live for as coaches—kids going out and doing what they don't even think they're capable of."
As for sophomore backstroke specialist Whineray, the day was a pivotal moment in her season. Getting into her bread-and-butter individual backstroke events, she proved she's not just a returning competitor—she's a force. Finishing fifth in the event, she improved on the 53.31 she achieved last year and showed signs of being a major contender in future meets.
Her presence brings a new edge to the backstroke discipline for the Rams. Her decision to commit to CSU despite receiving interest from other top programs is a testament to her belief in what the Rams' coaching staff and team culture could do for her development. She saw the potential in the program and trusted the process—a decision that is now paying off as she continues to rise in the ranks.
"She had other options," Woodard said. "She chose us because she trusted us. She's given us everything that we thought we would get from her, which is just this professionalism, this focus and determination. Just to watch her continue to make progress is outstanding."
Her development has embodied the team's season-long motto: "Brick by brick."
The phrase has been the foundation for the team's approach this year—building up each swimmer's performance piece by piece, trusting that consistent daily improvement leads to the breakthroughs seen at championships.
"I think the whole brick-by-brick thing is really important," Whineray said. "Because it doesn't all happen at once. The first two days of competition, I was feeling not too great with my performances, but you have to build on that and keep coming back. It just gets better from there."
The "brick by brick" mindset has not only shaped individual performances but has also strengthened the team's overall culture. Training sessions focused on small daily improvements have helped transform potential into podium finishes. The results of this meet are proving that the commitment to steady progress is paying off.
With one day left in the meet, the team's energy is electric. As the rest of the squad prepares for the final push, the mindset remains the same: one race at a time, one brick at a time.
Players Mentioned
