As one of the top seniors on Northeastern’s swim and dive team, Anna Verlander has spent the past four years building toward her final season, which has been defined by stellar performance.
Verlander, a record holder in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke and a key piece of the program’s record-setting 400-yard medley relay, closed out her college career with a bang. Head coach Roy Coates described her trajectory as one of growth and resilience.
“She’s a tremendously talented athlete,” Coates said. “She’s our school record holder in the 100-yard and the 200-yard backstroke. She’s finishing up a very strong year.”
Coates emphasized Verlander’s approach, one rooted in both rigorous physical training and mental preparation.
“I would say a combination [of mental and physical] training, but also just a really heavy focus on mental health and using all the resources Northeastern has available,” Verlander said. “Even just more check-ins with Coach Roy has really improved my training week to week.”
Verlander consistently delivered when it mattered most. In her freshman year, she established herself as a high-level competitor, winning the 200 backstroke at the CAA championships and setting multiple program records along the way.
“My freshman year, when I got first in the 200 backstroke, I was very proud of myself then,” Verlander said.
Her ability to perform under pressure is something Coates has come to expect.
“She’s always been a big moment kind of swimmer,” he said. “Her moments of breaking school records at CAAs and winning the 200 backstroke, those are moments that define her.”
Over the course of her career, Verlander has earned All-CAA honors, conference medals and set program records in the 100 back with a time of 53.84, 200 back at 1:55.87, and 400 medley relay in 3:38.7. This season alone, she posted multiple wins and podium finishes, culminating in a bronze medal in the 200 back at the 2025 CAA championships.
Beyond her individual success, Verlander has played a key role in a senior class that has guided the program through four competitive seasons.
“We have a really great bunch of seniors. That class has done a lot for our team,” Coates said. “There’s a lot of leadership right there that we certainly will miss.”
Verlander embraces responsibility through example rather than words. Her leadership showed during a pivotal moment this season, when she stepped up amid team absences and earned CAA Swimmer of the Week honors Jan. 20.
“I do my best to be a good role model with technique and motivation,” she said. “Treat your pool like your home. Leave it better than you found it.”
Outside of the pool, Verlander, who is a civil engineering major, is preparing for her next chapter. She is currently on her second co-op at Howard Stein Hudson, working on its roadway engineering team.
She will return for a fifth year academically but has completed her athletic eligibility. Though her competitive swimming career is winding down, she’s left a mark on the team.
“I think she’s built herself and proven to herself that she is capable of doing whatever she wants,” Coates said.
When asked what advice she has for younger athletes, she emphasized enjoying the process.
“I would say have fun,” she said. “My freshman year, I was trying to have fun, and the speed came after that.”
