Bowling Green State University Athletics
Hall of Fame
Valerie Newell
- Induction:
- 2025
Valerie Newell was a Bowling Green women's swimming standout, and was part of the ‘First Five’ – along with Betsy Fisher, Barb McKee, Gail Sailer and Becky Siesky – who became the first female All-American athletes at BGSU, earning a total of 21 All-America and one Honorable Mention All-America accolades in three individual events and six relay events in 1974 and 1975.
The quintet earned All-America honors at the 1974 AIAW Swimming and Diving National Championships, hosted by Penn State University, then turned in repeat performances at the 1975 AIAW Nationals held at Arizona State. As had been the case in 1974, four of them earned All-America honors in more than one event. These swimmers were also repeat champions in numerous state and regional championships.
At the 1975 Midwest Championships at Central Michigan, the 200-yard freestyle relay team broke the national record, shaving 1.35 seconds off of the previous mark.
Newell was a four-time All-American, earning the honor in both 1974 and ‘75 in the 200-yard and 400-yard freestyle relay.
The BGSU “Swimmin’ Women” won the state championship every year from 1974 through ‘80.
The quintet earned All-America honors at the 1974 AIAW Swimming and Diving National Championships, hosted by Penn State University, then turned in repeat performances at the 1975 AIAW Nationals held at Arizona State. As had been the case in 1974, four of them earned All-America honors in more than one event. These swimmers were also repeat champions in numerous state and regional championships.
At the 1975 Midwest Championships at Central Michigan, the 200-yard freestyle relay team broke the national record, shaving 1.35 seconds off of the previous mark.
Newell was a four-time All-American, earning the honor in both 1974 and ‘75 in the 200-yard and 400-yard freestyle relay.
The BGSU “Swimmin’ Women” won the state championship every year from 1974 through ‘80.
Saturday, September 19
Saturday, September 19
Saturday, September 19
Friday, September 18
