In the competitive world of collegiate swimming, some athletes find their true home where they least expect it. Mackenzie Miller Lung's journey from Clovis East High School to becoming a transformative force for Fresno State's swim program is a testament to unexpected paths and athletic determination.

After a stellar career at BYU, where she secured a second-place finish at the NCAA championship, Lung felt an undeniable pull to return to the Central Valley. "I had that feeling of like, I could do more," she recalled, reflecting on her decision to join the Bulldogs after previously being recruited by coach Jeanne Fleck.

Lung's arrival has been nothing short of revolutionary for Fresno State's swimming program. She joins an already impressive breaststroke group that includes Jenna Pulkkinen and Aliz Kalmar, with the trio now holding the top three times in the program's 100-meter breaststroke history. "We are just going upward, and I think this year, we have a really good chance at winning the conference," Kalmar confidently stated.

Coach Fleck's ambitions extend far beyond conference competition. "I want to break every school record that we can possibly break," she declared, highlighting the program's growing momentum. With Lung, Pulkkinen, and Kalmar potentially scoring at the NCAA championships, the team sees a path to breaking into the top 20 national rankings.

This week marks a historic milestone for Fresno State swimming, as the program enters the top 25 rankings for the first time ever. The achievement represents years of dedicated training, strategic recruiting, and a commitment to excellence that goes beyond individual performances.

For Lung, returning home wasn't just about swimming – it was about finding a true sense of belonging. "When I went to Utah, I loved my experience, but it was never home," she explained, capturing the emotional journey that brought her back to the Valley and transformed Fresno State's swimming program.

As the season reaches its climax, the Bulldogs are swimming with unprecedented confidence. Kalmar's goal to "end on a high note" reflects the team's collective spirit, positioning Fresno State as a rising powerhouse in collegiate swimming.