SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. - The Mount Holyoke College swimming and diving team was honored for its outstanding work in the classroom once again on Tuesday. The Lyons were among the 713 teams from around the nation and across all divisions to achieve College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-American status following the 2018 fall semester.
Additionally, MHC was fourth among the eight NEWMAC institutions recognized, behind Springfield (3.63), MIT (3.62) and Wellesley (3.60). The Lyons posted an overall grade point average of 3.58 for the fall.
In total, 164 squads were honored among Division III women's teams. To qualify for Scholar All-America status, teams must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the semester. Mount Holyoke once again reached the mark easily with their 3.58, which was 19th among the DIII teams honored.
In the spring of 2018, MHC posted a team grade point average of 3.66, which was good for 12th in the nation. That was on the heels of earning fall 2017 honors after sporting a 3.52 GPA. The spring of 2017 saw the Lyons own an average of 3.73, which was good for second in the nation. During the fall of 2016, the Lyons owned a 3.56 GPA – good for top-10 in the division. The academic success has been plentiful for Mount Holyoke, which also had a 3.67 GPA in the spring of 2016, preceded by the top GPA amongst all Division III schools of a 3.79 in the fall of 2015.
This year's top program on the women's side came down to a tie as both Williams and Saint Catherine's notched GPA's of 3.75. Pomona-Pitzer and Macalester tied for third with a 3.72, while Washington University of St. Louis was fifth with a 3.69 GPA.
Under the direction of longtime head coach Dave Allen, the Lyons have faced strong competition over the 2018-19 season. Highlighting the year has been dual meet wins over University of New England, Westfield State and Clark University, while also placing fourth overall at the Seven Sisters Championships in mid-January.
Highlighting the Seven Sisters meet was junior diver Samantha Nemivant (Scottsdale, Ariz./Notre Dame Prep), who won off both boards, including NCAA Regional Qualifying marks in both events.
Mount Holyoke returns to the pool on Saturday when it travels to Simmons University for a 12pm dual meet against that Sharks.
