Elayne Chen Season 2025-26
Career-Best Times (collegiate)
100 Free: 53.16 at Phill Hansel Invitational, 11.21.25
200 Free: 1:52.60 at Phill Hansel Invitational, 11.20.25
500 Free: 5:08.11 at Missouri/McKendree, 11.1.25
200 IM: 2:12.25 at Phill Hansel Invitational, 11.19.25
As a Freshman (2025-26)
• Ranks third on the team in the 200 free and swam the opening leg of the Commodores’ best 800 free relay in the fall
• Qualified for the D Final of the 200 free with her best time of the season at the Phill Hansel Invitational (Nov. 19-21)
• Also recording her low marks of the campaign in the 100 free and 200 IM at the competition
• Had season-best time in the 500 free and also swam the 200 free in tri-meet with Missouri and McKendree (Nov. 1)
• Won two races in her collegiate debut, claiming the 200 (1:55.36) and 500 (5:10.37) free in the Dores’ season-opening victory over North Florida (Oct. 4)
The Chen File
• Plans to major in medicine, health & society
• Competed at Tahoma High
• Helped the Bears win three straight state championships
• Also swam for the King Aquatic Club
• Recorded runner-up finishes in the 200 and 400 free, and was fourth in the 100 free, at the Sockeye Springtime Madness in May 2025
• Won the 200 free and placed second in the 500 free at the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association 4A state championship her senior year
• Claimed the 200 and 500 free at the West Central District Championships that season as well
• Finished second in the 500 and 1,000 free, adding a third-place result in the 200 free, at the Washington State Senior Short Course Championships in December 2023
• Daughter of Jie Zheng and Michael Chen
• Plays the cello in the orchestra
Why Vanderbilt: “I chose Vanderbilt because it offers diverse opportunities, a strong balance between academics and athletics, and a supportive community that helps students grow as individuals while preparing them for future success.”