This past season, the lady Camels achieved what no other Conn athletic team has: they were ranked first on the CSCAA Team Scholar All-America List. With an average GPA of 3.66 the woman’s swim team ranks highest of any team in the nation.
In addition to the number one ranking, six members were awarded the Individual Scholar All-American title. Earning this title, which requires a B-cut qualifying time as well as a GPA of at least 3.0, is Julia Pielock ’14. A senior captain majoring in Art History, Pielock said she was “shocked at the team’s award but equally impressed.” Pielock exceeded the requirements of her award, winning the 50 and 100-yard freestyle at the NESCAC Championships. Being the fastest female in the NESCAC league, this qualified her for the 50-yard freestyle at the 2013 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championship, where she placed tenth. Her performance earned the college NCAA Honorable Mention All-American honors.
Other swimmer scholars receiving CSCAA Honorable Mention Scholar All-American recognition include Mackenzie Lily ’13, Esther Mehesz ’15, Samantha Pierce ’16 and Sarah Lauridsen ’16.
“The swimmers have really embraced the idea of the student-athlete. It’s a testament to how hard they have worked.” says Coach Marc Benvenuti. “They are up at 6 AM every morning, and they are back in the water in the afternoon. In between, they are studying, going to class and meeting with professors. This isn’t for everybody,”.
Speaking with the swimmers made clear how being a part of the swim team directly correlates to their academic success.
“I’ve learned how to manage my time, my work and my commitment to being a part of a team,” explained psychology major and human development minor Nicole Sears ’15.
Maggie Nelson ’15, an economics major and computer science and math double minor said, “Academics is just an underlying principle; there is a standard on the team to always be doing your best no matter what environment you’re in, be it the pool or the classroom.”
This underlying principle, however, isn’t necessarilya constant on the girls’ minds: “It’s not so much that we’re checking in on one another and making sure work is completed before practice; it’s just the culture on the team to be accountable for your work, it’s expected,” said economics major Sam Marshall ’15.
The team of twenty-one girls holds majors from computer science to art history to psychology, allowing for a rich and supportive interplay of scholastic interest when out of the water. Having placed sixth at this year’s NESCAC Championships and sending Pielock to nationals, it’s clear the team is on top of it when it comes to swimming as well.
Members of the men’s team, placing thirty-sixth on the list with a 3.23 GPA, recognize and are impressed with the girls’ achievement. “The standard they strive for and have achieved has not gone unnoticed; they have placed Connecticut College at the top of a very prestigious list. To swim, study, and be friends with these women is such a privilege,” said Kyle Matson ’14.
After such accomplishments last year the lady Camels have high hopes for the upcoming season. “After a hard season, this award was a great way to end it,” said Nelson. “We want the underclassmen to understand that we expect them to uphold the standard we’ve subconsciously set.”
It is easy to recognize that the girls not only excel at what they do but also enjoy doing it. The annual team-training trip to Florida is always a highlight of their season where they bond and get to know one another. Their positive outlook does not hurt either; Nelson emphasized that she wants the underclassmen to understand that “as long as they’re trying their hardest, good things will come.” Constantly receiving support from one another and Coach Benvenuti, the girls ended the conversation about their achievement with a unanimous “We are proud,” reflecting the ideals their team embodies. •
