Navy Women's Triathlon Team Secures Historic Collegiate Cup Championship
The Midshipmen clinched their first-ever Collegiate Cup victory at the Duquesne Collegiate Cup in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, marking a historic milestone for the program.
A Historic Triumph: The Numbers Behind the Victory
On a crisp Saturday morning in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Navy won the Duquesne Collegiate Cup, scoring 433 team points to narrowly edge second-place Duquesne (421 points) in a field of 13 teams. The championship distance event featured a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike ride, and 5-kilometer run — Navy's first championship distance competition of the season.
Final Team Standings
- Navy: 433 points
- Duquesne: 421 points
- Drury: 415 points
- Delaware State: 336 points
- North Central: 316 points
The 12-point margin over Duquesne and an 18-point separation among the top three teams emphasize the importance of every individual performance in securing the team title.
Individual Performances That Shaped the Victory
Natalie Wang: A Consistent Leader
Natalie Wang finished second overall with a time of 1:03:23.6, marking her third consecutive race as Navy's top finisher and solidifying her role as a reliable scoring anchor for the team.
Madelyn Berry: A Breakthrough Moment
Freshman Madelyn Berry placed fourth with a time of 1:04:09.5, an impressive result for a first-year collegiate competitor.
Depth of Talent: The Key to Victory
- Dylan Cashin — 9th place (1:04:59.1)
- Allison Miller — 10th place (1:05:23.2)
- Keira Wilkinson — 12th place (1:05:58.9)
Additional contributors included MC Kistler (34th, 1:11:54.1), Leah Norton (35th, 1:12:29.3), and Ella Sims (56th, 1:17:56.0).
The Power of Youth: Freshmen and Sophomores Shine
The scoring five included three freshmen and two sophomores, an unusually young core for a championship team. Head Coach Billy Edwards remarked, "A young squad with three freshmen and two sophomores in our scoring five is about as good as you can get when it comes to thinking about current successes and future potential."
Freshman Impact
- Madelyn Berry — 4th place
- Allison Miller — 10th place
- Keira Wilkinson — 12th place
- Leah Norton — 35th place (valuable depth)
The immediate contributions from freshmen highlight the program's development approach and readiness to integrate underclassmen into competitive roles.
Strategic Execution: The Key to Success
Coach Edwards emphasized execution as central to the victory: "This is a big win for the triathlon program and I am so happy with the team's level of execution today."
Race Strategy Success
The championship distance format required different tactics than sprint events. Navy's success in their first championship distance race of the season demonstrates versatility and strong preparation across formats.
Team Chemistry and Support
The complete team effort — eight athletes contributing to the overall performance — underscores the program's emphasis on collective success. Every competitor played a role in the outcome.
Preparation and Development
The foundation for the win was built through consistent training, competitive experience, and strategic development of both veteran leaders and newcomers. The seamless integration of freshmen into scoring positions suggests a program culture that accelerates development while maintaining competitive standards.
Looking Forward: Building on a Championship Foundation
Immediate Next Steps
Navy will continue its momentum at the Robious Landing Collegiate Cup in Midlothian, Virginia, providing a chance to build consistency at the championship level.
Long-term Program Implications
With a young core returning, Navy appears positioned for sustained success. The mix of proven performers and emerging talents creates leadership and depth for seasons to come.
Recruiting and Growth Opportunities
Championship victories bolster recruiting efforts by showcasing immediate impact opportunities for underclassmen and the program's trajectory.
Key Takeaways from Navy's Historic Victory
- Youth Development Works: Investing in young talent and providing immediate opportunities can lead to breakthrough results.
- Team Depth Matters: Championships require contributions throughout the lineup; Navy placed five athletes in the top 12.
- Execution Under Pressure: Technical preparation and mental readiness were decisive.
- Foundation for Future Success: The youth of the scoring group suggests potential for sustained excellence.
The Significance of This Moment
Navy's first Collegiate Cup victory represents the arrival of a program building toward sustained excellence. With a young core anchored by talents like Natalie Wang and Madelyn Berry, the Midshipmen have created a template for continued success as they prepare for future competitions.
