As impressive seasons for both teams come to a close, the Cal men’s and women’s swim teams continue to push forward in both academic and athletic excellence. The teams combined 25 Scholar All-Americans — 19 from the women’s team and six from the men’s.
A prestigious recognition given out by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America, or CSCAA, being named a Scholar All-American with first-team status requires that a student-athlete maintain a grade point average of 3.50 or higher and compete at the NCAA championships during the 2017-18 season.
To receive an honorable mention, student-athletes must finish the season with a GPA of 3.50 or higher and achieve at least an NCAA B qualifying standard or compete at the NCAA diving zone qualifying meet.
“We do not only encourage quality work in the classroom, but we expect it,” said Cal women’s swim assistant coach Sarah Dunleavy in an email. “Our women work very hard in and out of the pool to do well.”
The women’s team finished the spring 2018 semester with a combined GPA of 3.49, and the Bears were named a Scholar All-America team for the 17th consecutive eligible semester.
Seven Bears were named to the Scholar All-America first team: recent graduate Noemie Thomas, rising seniors Kathleen Baker and Amy Bilquist, rising junior Keaton Blovad and rising sophomores Sarah Darcel, Ali Harrison and Robin Neumann.
“Our women push each other and hold each other accountable,” Dunleavy said in an email. “If someone isn’t doing what they need to be in order to be successful, everyone rallies to support and uplift that person … academically, athletically and socially.”
The men’s team was led by rising sophomore Daniel Carr and rising junior Pawel Sendyk, who both finished off strong seasons in the pool by earning first-team honors. The naming of six Scholar All-Americans marks another successful year for Cal men’s swim.
Both teams are looking forward to exciting 2018-19 seasons as the Bears prepare to continue their ongoing trend of both academic and athletic excellence.
