Washington State Selects Three as Captains for 2020-21 Season

Washington State versus Idaho during the Cougars 178-84 win over the Vandals in a non-conference NCAA college women's swim meet Friday, Oct. 18, 2019 at Gibb Pool in Pullman, Wash. It was also Alumni Night, with several swimming alumni present.

Washington State Photo Courtesy: Dean Hare

Washington State has picked Mackenzie Duarte, Chloe Larson and Taylor McCoy as captains for the women’s swimming team in the 2020-21 season, the school announced Tuesday.

Duarte holds three top-10 times in program history, including the school record in the 200 breaststroke. She qualified for the cancelled NCAA Championships last year in that event, the first Cougar to get to NCAAs since 2010. She also has an Olympic Trials cut in the event.

“Being selected as one of the WSU women’s swim team captains for the 2020-21 season means that I have been given the opportunity to lead our team in and out of the water,” Duarte said in a university statement. “I hope to inspire my fellow teammates to work to their highest potential and create culture of strong female athletes who can trust and support each other, work hard, and leave behind a legacy of success and family.”

Larson is a member of the school record team in the 400 freestyle relay. A native of South Dakota, she’s a two-time Pac-12 All-Academic selection.

“Being selected as a captain for this upcoming season is such an honor and a privilege,” Larson said. “Alongside Taylor and Mackenzie, I hope to continue our family culture and lead this team by example so we can be a competitive Pac-12 team.”

McCoy, a hometown kid from Pullman, is also a two-time Pac-12 All-Academic pick. She’s got four all-time top-10 times in Washington State history, an Olympic Trials cut in the 200 backstroke and won the 400 individual medley at the CSCAA National Invitational last spring.

“I’m honored to be a team captain this year alongside Chloe and Mackenzie, and am excited to help continue to grow our team culture!” McCoy said. “Our team thrives on family and challenging each other to be the best in and out of the pool every day. It will be an amazing privilege to help achieve our goals for the upcoming season! Go Cougs!”

“It is exciting to elect captains again after a two-year hiatus,” head coach Matt Leach said. “As we continue to grow, we are looking for people that will follow our equation for success of family first, academics second and competing third. Chloe, Mackenzie and Taylor have shown through their dedication that they not only hold themselves to these standards, but also are able to communicate and hold their teammates to the same high standards. The growth of our Cougar Swimming Family is so important as we continue to set the tone for the 2020-21 season and beyond. We are all very eager to get back in the pool and continue our family’s development in the classroom and in the pool. Congrats Chloe, Mackenzie and Taylor! GO COUGS!”

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