The 2025 season marked a milestone for the Warren Wilson College women's triathlon program—a year defined by resilience, progress, and pride.
After Hurricane Helene disrupted the team's inaugural fall campaign, the Owls entered this season determined to build something lasting. Under the leadership of head coach Jorge Marin, the team committed to early morning swims, challenging mountain rides, and long training days that balanced academic rigor with athletic ambition. Each athlete embraced the program's mission—to learn, grow, and compete with purpose.
The roster for this year's team included Natalie Helser, Sarina Maki, Elena Wheeler, Maureen Tyne, and Ellery Rather, who each played a key role in establishing a strong foundation for the growing program.
Their perseverance paid off when Warren Wilson finished second in Division III at the East Regional Championship, earning the program's first-ever qualification to the Collegiate National Championship. It was a defining moment for the young program, signaling that the Owls belonged among the best collegiate triathlon teams in the nation.
At the 2025 Collegiate National Championship in Tempe, Arizona, Warren Wilson faced a deep field of 36 programs and 190 athletes. Ten Division III teams competed, and the Owls—represented by Helser, Maki, and Wheeler—finished sixth overall among Division III programs. Competing against fully rostered teams, Warren Wilson posted strong results, including top-15 finishes within their heat of nearly 50 athletes.
"This was our first experience at the national level, and our goal was to gain experience for the future," said Coach Marin. "Every athlete showed improvement each time we raced this season, which is amazing. With a full team of at least five, we could've been as high as fourth or fifth—but finishing sixth out of ten in our first appearance is something to be proud of."
Marin emphasized that the program has the potential to become one of the top Division III triathlon teams in the country. "Next year, our goal is to close the gap with the strongest programs in the region and fight for a podium spot at nationals," he added. The season was also marked by individual recognition—Natalie Helser earned a spot on the East All-Region Team for finishing among the top five at regionals, highlighting the program's competitive rise. For the Owls, this season was more than about medals or rankings—it was about perseverance, teamwork, and building a legacy from the ground up.
"Warren Wilson Triathlon is just getting started," said Marin. "The future is bright."
