Maggie Smith, Staff Writer
Wingate University women’s swimming team won the 800 Freestyle Relay which led them to taking the title as NCAA Division II swimming National Champions. They finished with a time of 7:16.37.
The 800 Freestyle Relay includes, freshman Abby Kosic, sophomores Hanna Van Horen and Maria Madsen, and junior Alex Divelbiss. Van Horen began the race touching at 1:49.61 in her 200 meters, followed by Kosic at 1:49.11 and Madsen finishing at 1:49.75. Alex Divelbiss swam as the anchor leg finishing with a time of 1:47.90. She earned her fourth first team All-American trophy at the NCAA event.
“It feels great to have received an All-American award. All-American is a title not to be taken lightly and I feel really honored to be part of that group of elite athletes,” said Divelbiss, “A lot of hard work and dedication helped me get there and of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of an amazing team.”
Divelbiss also contributed her success to the team dynamic. “When you train with great athletes, greatness comes a lot easier…swimming is thought of as an individual sport, but our team trains and races as one,” said Divelbiss, “Our coach, Kirk Sanocki creates an atmosphere that encourages mental toughness and a will power that sets us apart from competition.”
Divelbiss said this was her first time being on a first place relay. “I felt so proud of the other girls on the relay and when we stood on the top of the podium, I didn’t want the moment to end,” said Divelbiss, “Touching first on the wall is a great feeling and when you get to share that victory with three other amazing athletes, its even more satisfying.”
Queens University finished second behind the Bulldogs earning the silver-medal with time of 7:18.75.“We knew that our biggest competition would be Queens, since we had a fierce battle with them at conference. I wasn’t confident that we would beat them before the race, but once Hanna finished the first leg right with their first swimmer, who is the fastest girl on the 200, I knew that we would win” said Madsen.
Photo source: Wingate University Athletics
Edited by: Brea Childs
Wingate Triangle 