College of Saint Benedict

Gretchen Weber Nelson joined the College of Saint Benedict swim and dive team during its most successful stretch in program history, and as soon as she hit the water in the 1998-99 season, it was clear that she was going to fit right in.

In her first season with the team, Weber Nelson won MIAC titles in the 200 backstroke and 200 freestyle and was a part of three relay championships at the 1999 MIAC Championships. She also finished runner up to help Saint Benedict take third – its sixth straight top-three finish.

That same year, Weber Nelson qualified for nationals in three different events – one of just three athletes in CSB swim and dive history to qualify for three individual events at one national meet. She earned All-American honors in the 200 backstroke by finishing eighth and All-American Honorable Mention with her 10th-place finish in the 200 freestyle. Weber also took 17th in the 500 freestyle. 

Weber Nelson wasn’t a one-year wonder in the pool, though. In her second season with the team in 1999-2000, she won the 100 butterfly title and was part of three more championship relay teams. When her three-year career was over, she had six MIAC titles, nine All-MIAC honors and was twice named the team’s MVP.

Weber Nelson still holds the CSB record in the 200 and 500 freestyle and the 200 backstroke, and she is eighth on the school’s 200 individual medley list and part of the ninth-fastest 400 medley relay team in school history.

After graduation, Weber Nelson, who graduated with a degree in peace studies, traveled to Thailand where she completed research on human trafficking and also worked with refugees. She recently married her husband, Eric Nelson, and the couple lives in Maple Grove. Weber Nelson currently serves as the clinic site manager at Fraser in Coon Rapids.