COMPLETE TEAM LIST / INDIVIDUAL SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICA
SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. - The Mount Holyoke College swimming and diving team was recently honored for its outstanding work in the classroom. The Lyons were among the 140 Division III teams from around the nation to achieve College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-American status following the 2014 spring semester.
In order to qualify, teams must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the semester. Mount Holyoke easily reached the mark, posting a team grade point average of 3.51 for the 2014 spring semester. The Lyons concluded the 2013 fall season with a mark of 3.46.
Additionally, sophomore Cathleen Pruden was named to the NCAA DIII Scholar All-America First Team for her outstanding work in the classroom, coupled with her performance at the NCAA Championships. She was an Honorable Mention Scholar All-America during the 2012-13 season.
As a team, the Lyons finished tied for 23rd amongst the Division III teams recognized. Only two other NEWMAC programs finished ahead of MHC, including Clark (6th) and Springfield (16th).
With longtime head coach Dave Allen leading the way, the Lyons had an outstanding 2013-14 campaign. In addition to going 6-4 in dual meet action, MHC finished second overall at the Seven Sisters Championship and were sixth at the NEWMAC Championships.
The squad's performance at the conference meet was highlighted by Pruden, who defended her NEWMAC title in the 400-IM, while also setting a new Meet & Open record time in the event. She went on to earn National All-America honors, finishing fourth in the 400-IM at the NCAA Championships.
As a team, the Lyons saw five individuals named to the NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team, including Pruden and sophomores Erica Carvell, Sarah Crocker, Nikki Hoffler and Sarah McKay. Pruden also became just the second swimmer in program history to earn Capital One Academic All-America recognition, earning Third Team honors in the At-Large category.
