CHESTER, Pa. – To kick off Women's History Month, Widener Athletics is honoring the 1977 Women's Swimming All-Americans, a groundbreaking relay team that laid the groundwork for excellence in women's athletics at Widener.

The team, comprising Donna Bender, Doreen McGowan, Linda Fleck, Patty Leayman, and Marsha Reinecker, competed as Widener's freestyle relay squad during the 1977 AIAW National Championships. Competing in a four-member relay format with one alternate, they delivered an impressive performance on the national stage, earning All-America recognition.

Their outstanding season saw them finish undefeated before the national championships. At the AIAW Championships, Widener secured 11th place in the 400-yard freestyle relay and 12th in the 200-yard freestyle relay, solidifying the Pride's status among the nation's elite programs.

Bender also had an exceptional individual career, winning five titles in the Middle Atlantic Conference and graduating with eight school records at Widener, each lasting at least 20 years. During her initial two seasons, she only lost once out of 48 races, contributing to the Pride's remarkable 20-0 team record.

The legacy of this extraordinary group continued long after their college days. In 2013, Bender, McGowan, Fleck, and Leayman were all included in the Middle Atlantic Conference All-Century Team, solidifying their legacy in the conference. In recognition of their achievements, the entire relay team was inducted into the Widener Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.

As Widener Athletics honors Women's History Month, the 1977 Women's Swimming All-Americans stand as a testament to teamwork, excellence, and the enduring impact of women who helped forge the Pride tradition.