The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Hall of Honor
- Induction:
- 2015
Sport: Swimming (1984-86, '88)
Inducted: 2015
A seven-time NCAA champion and 19-time All-American, Debbie Risen helped Texas win four NCAA team titles. Risen made an immediate impact as a freshman during the 1983-84 season. She helped the Longhorns to NCAA titles in the 200 freestyle relay and 400 medley relay. Risen placed second with UT's 200 medley relay and added a fourth-place finish in the 100 backstroke to help lift Texas to the 1984 NCAA team title. Risen won the 100 backstroke at the 1984 Southwest Conference Championships, where she also helped the Longhorns win the 200, 400 and 800 freestyle relays. Risen made significant contributions to UT's run to the 1985 NCAA title as a sophomore. She won her first NCAA individual title in the 100 backstroke and helped the Longhorns to national crowns in the 200 and 400 medley relays in addition to the 200 freestyle relay. Risen added a runner-up finish in the 200 backstroke and an eighth-place showing in the 200 IM at the 1985 NCAA Championships. She defended her SWC title in the 100 backstroke and helped Texas win the 400 freestyle relay, once again, at the SWC Championships. Risen helped Texas win its third consecutive NCAA title and fifth national title overall as a junior in 1986. She led the Longhorns to their third straight NCAA title in the 400 medley relay. Risen added runner-up finishes in the 100 backstroke, 200 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay in addition to third-place showings in the 200 backstroke and 400 freestyle relay at the 1986 NCAA Championships. She notched her third straight 100 backstroke title, won the 200 backstroke and helped Texas win the 200 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay at the 1986 SWC Championships. Risen missed the 1986-87 season but returned as a senior for the 1987-88 campaign in which Texas won its fifth straight NCAA team title and seventh national title overall. She helped the Longhorns to a NCAA runner-up finish in the 400 medley relay and placed fourth in the 100 backstroke and 13th in the 200 backstroke at the 1988 NCAA Championships. Risen won her fourth SWC title in the 100 backstroke and led the Longhorns to league crowns in the 200 and 400 medley relays.
