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One of the top swimmers in the state of Michigan, Emily Roden has announced that she will be joining the University of Missouri in the fall of 2023 to continue her athletic and academic careers. Currently in her junior year at Northville High School, Roden swims year round with the Novi Sturgeons.
I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Missouri. A big thank you to all my friend, family, coaches and teammates who helped me though this journey, and to the whole Mizzou staff for giving me this great opportunity. Go Tigers 🖤💛
Earlier this winter, Roden picked up a pair of silver medals while racing at the Michigan High School Swimming and Diving State Championships. Her two 2nd places finishes came in the 100 fly (54.82) and 200 IM (2:03.21), with both performances being personal best times. She also added a 52.41 split in the 100 freestyle while swimming the leadoff leg of Northville’s 400 freestyle relay.
Roden traveled to Huntsville, Alabama over the summer to compete at the Futures Championship meet held there. Racing there in longcourse, Roden grabbed a pair of A-final appearances in the butterfly events. She was able to make her way into the A-final of the 200, where she ended up in 8th place in 2:19.81. In the 100 she was 16th in 1:02.86.
Top SCY Times
- 50 free – 24.92
- 100 free – 52.41
- 200 free – 1:51.60
- 100 fly – 54.82
- 200 fly – 2:00.38
- 200 IM – 2:03.21
The Mizzou women came in 7th at last year’s SEC Swimming and Diving Championships. They were led by sprint freestyle and backstroke specialist Sarah Thompson, who had a trio of finals appearances highlighted by a silver medal in the 100 back. Mizzou was weak in the 200 fly and 200 IM, with no women scoring points in either event last season.
With a year and a half left to improve before she begins NCAA competition, Roden has the potential to be among Mizzou’s best swimmers in her events when she gets to campus. Last season, she would have had the team’s third fastest time in both the 200 fly and 200 IM. While many of the team’s top performers from this season will have graduated prior to Roden’s arrival, she will have two years of overlap with Brecken Merkel, a freshman this year. Merkel has already hit a new lifetime best in the 200 IM (2:02.25) at the Mizzou Invite in November, and holds the team’s second fastest 200 fly this year at 2:00.20.
Roden will be joined in the Tiger’s freshman class in 2023 by Francesca Smith, Kylee Sullivan, and Piper McNeil.
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So proud of our girl!!