The College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association's (CSCAA) named former Owls' All-American Ben Michaelson as one of its 100 Greatest Men's Swimmers & Divers of the past century as part of the CSCAA's 100^th anniversary celebration.

"It's an honor to be selected. I owe it to my parents, my coaches Tim [Quill\ and C.J. [Moran}, and my teammates," Michaelson said. "They saw the potential in me where others didn't and pushed me to be my very best. All I did was show up every day and do the work. I'm very proud of what I accomplished as an athlete at Southern and I'll always be thankful for the opportunities that the university and the athletic department provided."

One of the most decorated collegiate student-athletes in the storied history of Southern Connecticut athletics, Michaelson was inducted into the SCSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. He was a 10-time NCAA Division II champion, beginning with wins in the 100 and 200 butterfly in 2001. In 2002, he once-again claimed both events and also won the 50 and 100 freestyle events. In 2003, he won the 50 and 100 free as well as the 100 and 200 butterfly events. A three-time NCAA Division II Swimmer of the Year, Michaelson finished his collegiate career as a 20-time All-American.
 
"A true student of the sport, Ben mastered his skills through perserverance, commitment, hard work and sacrifice," SCSU Swimming & Diving Head Coach Tim Quill said. "Ben was never afraid to fail and was always willing to try new things. With that mentality, he was the fastest butterfly swimmer in all three divisions of the NCAA in 2003 and went on to break the American record in the 100 butterfly and win two gold medals at the 2003 Pan-American Games."

Following his collegiate career, Michaelson went on to represent the United States in international competition. In 2003, he won two gold medals and set two Pan American Games records in the 100m butterfly and as a 400m medley relay member. Michaelson posted the U.S. short course record in the 100-meter butterfly and also had the third-fastest time in U.S. history in that event. He still holds seven SCSU school records.

Founded in 1922, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA), is the nation's first organization of college coaches. The mission of the CSCAA is to advance the sport of swimming and diving with coaches at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy, and professional development. The CSCAA's 100th birthday celebration will continue with upcoming announcements recognizing Centennial MVP's for each team along with a listing of the 100 Greatest Coaches, 100 Alumni of Impact. The anniversary will culminate with the Association's convention and awards banquet, May 2-4, 2022 in Rosemont, Illinois.