PULLMAN – Sophomore Mackenzie Duarte not only broke several records this year, but was also able to compete in the 2019 NCAA Championships in Austin texas.
Friend and teammate of Duarte Maia Petrides believes one of the highlights of the season was watching Duarte qualify for the championships.
“I was on the other side of her lane and literally just started crying as soon as I knew she was going to make it.”
Duarte has since been able to reflect on her experience, remembering the emotions that she felt.
“It was a very intense environment I was super nervous, I was swimming with the best of the best. There was multiple olympians there and I was like wow I made it.”
Along with the rest of the WSU community, Duarte’s parents are extremely proud of her and feel privileged to tag along with her for the ride when they can.