In her collegiate debut, Wilkens began her swimming career at Hillsdale by earning her first Great Midwest Athlete of the Week honor. She won multiple events in the Chargers season opener against Albion College.
Her times in the 200-Yard Freestyle and the 500 Yard Freestyle were fast enough to win her the meet in both events. Wilkens also placed second in the 200-Yard IM by less than a second.
Her performances helped total 22 individual points to help Hillsdale defeat Albion.