TOLEDO, Ohio — The first day in March didn't just spark new excitement, it played host to history as well.
At the 2024 MAC Swimming & Diving Championships in Athens, OH, University of Toledo swimmer Lauren Kilgore broke a 12-year record.
"I didn't know what to expect going into it. I had a time from earlier in the season that I wasn't really happy about," Kilgore said. "I just gave it my all and touched the wall, looked up, and knew right away that it was a team record."
53.46 seconds in a preliminary race for the 100 yard Butterfly marked one final splash in her career.
"It was a good closure moment, knowing my name would be able to go on the record board as I'm leaving," Kilgore said.
The fifth-year swimmer ended up setting a new mark that previously stood since 2012 and finished 7th overall in the MAC meet.
"Butterfly is really hard on your shoulders, really hard on your upper body," Kilgore said. "It is a full body stroke as well, you have to keep your hips up so you don't sink."
On top of capping her career with history, Kilgore also submerged herself with a 2nd-Team All-MAC selection for the second consecutive season. The specialist earned a podium spot (5th place) in the 200 yard individual medley too, an event where she also earned a new Toledo pool record back in January with a time of 2:02.62.
"I just hope that I left an impact on the team," Kilgore said. "That the girls remember me and the energy I had on the deck, positivity I brought them."
On Monday, the university decided to part ways with head coach Brie Globig who was hired in 2019 but tallied a 13-25 overall record in dual meets. Despite the numbers, her impact provided a huge boost for Kilgore.
"Her and I have been here the same amount of time, grateful for her," Kilgore said. "I've had amazing coaches throughout my entire career here that I give credit to for being who I am today."
A sport that she's been associated with since the age of five, has now come to an end for Kilgore. Her focus shifts to Pharmacy school where she plans to earn a doctorate degree next year and will begin making waves in new waters.
"It's been a part of my life since I can remember. I've always had that aspect of swimming and school that I've had to balance," Kilgore said. "Without swimming, it's going to be a big adjustment."
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