Melissa Nwakalor Named A-10 Swim & Dive Rookie of the Week

Melissa Nwakalor relaxing with her arms on the edge of the pool after her race, looking up at the camera and smiling

Melissa Nwakalor Named A-10 Swim & Dive Rookie of the Week

01/30/2024 | Women's Swimming & Diving

Richmond, Va. – Melissa Nwakalor has been named this week's Atlantic 10 Swim & Dive Rookie of the Week announced by the conference Tuesday.

Nwakalor earns her first Atlantic 10 weekly honor as she continued her impressive freshman campaign with three 1st place finishes on Saturday against JMU. In the 50 free, Nwakalor blew past her competitors with a mark of 23.29. The 100 free was no different for this Spider as Nwakalor took her second 1st place finish on the day at 52.44. Following her individual victories, she jumped back into action with the 200 medley relay, where she was joined by Julia Krichev, Lucy Yeomans and Caitlyn Hughes. The group came together in a thrilling race to take the 1st place finish at 1:34.42. Nwakalor's 23.02 split accounted for the fastest 50 free time for all swimmers Saturday.

Up next, Nwakalor and the Spiders will make the short trip to Charlottesville, Va. to compete in the Cavalier Invite hosted by UVA. Competition will span from February 9-11.