Lauren Witte will be swimming her way northeast in the fall.
The standout Dexter senior swimmer, who was a team captain this past season for the Dreadnaughts, will swim Division 1 next year at the University of Maine. She was recently accepted into the school’s direct admit nursing program.
“The University of Maine offers me the ability to pursue my passion for swimming at a D1 level, while also being directly admitted into their strong nursing program, so I don’t have to worry about competing for a seat after the first year,” Witte says. “It’s a beautiful campus located in a town about twice the size of Dexter, with a larger city about 15 minutes away.”
Lauren, the daughter of Wade Witte and Trudy Zedaker-Witte, helped lead Dexter to a tenth-place finish last month at the delayed MHSAA Division 2 State Finals at the Northview Aquatic Center. She finished 13th in the backstroke with a time of 1 minute, 41 seconds. She also swam on Dexter’s medley relay, along with her sister, Lilly, that placed 11th overall and on the 400 free relay team that placed 10th.
“I cannot wait for this wonderful opportunity to continue my education as well as my swimming career,” Witte says. “I have had the opportunity to get to know the swim and dive team over the last few months, and they are all so warm, friendly and supportive.”
The Black Bears have shown steady improvement under the direction of fifth-year coach Susan Lizzotte.
Witte said she has not had the chance to visit Maine due to COVID but has researched the school and participated in Zoom calls and meetings. She certainly likes what she sees – literally.
“There are lots of wonderful outdoor activities to do, with hiking trails right through campus, skiing close by, as well as the ocean and Acadia National Park,” she says.
Of course, she says she will “miss being able to compete and practice with my little sister Lily as well as swimming with the amazing girls I have grown up with on the team.”
“I am so incredibly thankful for my amazing coaches, parents and friends for always supporting me and pushing me to be the best person I can be in and out of the pool,” she says. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Profile: Dexter swimmer Lauren Witte is making a name for herself
