University of Akron All-American Sarah Watson has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, announcing her intention to use her fifth year of eligibility elsewhere after completing her senior season this year at Akron.
Watson has been one of the most decorated swimmers in Akron history, having been named an All-American in two of her three seasons. She has also won 17 Mid-American Conference titles in her first three seasons as a Zip.
The Winnipeg, Canada native earned All-American honors at the 2019 NCAA Championships by finishing in 11th in the 100 fly with a 51.73, and at the 2021 NCAA Championships, courtesy of a 14th place finish in the 200 IM with a 1:57.43. Watson currently holds the Akron program records in the 100 fly, 200 fly, 100 free, 200 free, 200 IM, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay, 400 free relay and 800 free relay.
The MAC’s 2021 season was unique, in that the conference championship meet was held after NCAA’s in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At those conference championships, Watson won the 200 IM, 100 fly and 200 fly. Notably, Watson chose to swim the 100 free over the 200 fly at the 2021 NCAA’s, where she finished 18th. Her conference time in the 200 fly would have also placed her 18th at NCAA’s, just outside of scoring range.
Watson’s top times include:
- 50 free: 22.38
- 100 free: 48.63
- 200 free: 1:45.93
- 100 fly: 51.73
- 200 fly: 1:55.98
- 200 IM: 1:56.42
Watson is the second high-profile MAC swimmer to enter the transfer portal this fall. Bowling Green NCAA qualifier Daisy Platts announced in August that she also intended to use her fifth season of eligibility at a new program, starting in the fall of 2022.
Watson’s entry into the transfer portal came before Akron’s program was given a 12-day suspension due to hazing allegations. The program has returned to practice since their mid-September suspension, but the allegations are currently under further review by Akron’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
The team will host their annual intrasquad meet on Friday, October 1st before hosting the Akron Zips Classic on Oct. 15 and 16.