The Kenyon College women’s swimming and diving team recently won the Division III title, and they were honored at the White House where they were congratulated by Vice President Kamala Harris for their achievement.
According to a release by the college, this is the team’s 25th NCAA title, which makes it the most of any women’s sport in all three divisions. Kenyon College had 62 Division III national championships, which is the most of any NCAA Division III school.
“The pursuit of excellence has always been, and will always be, the goal of this program. The fact we get to celebrate that pursuit at the White House with the President of the United States is truly a special opportunity,” Head Coach Jess Book said. “On a personal level, I am excited to be there. But even more, I am looking forward to seeing our swimmers and seeing them honored for their passion, commitment, and the excellence they embody. They have most certainly earned this opportunity.”
The Owls visited the White House on July 22 and were represented by Kate Bogan, Sydney Buchman, Bengisu Caymaz, Gwen Eisenbeis, Jennah Fadely, Sydney Geboy, Sofia Giordano, Molly Haag, Jordan Herrera, Sarah Hoffman, Sydney McCallie, Sophie Schmitz, Lisa Torrecillas-Jouault, Gabrielle Wei, Ashlyn Widmer and Caleigh Wukitch, and with Head Coach Jess Book and Associate Head Coach Dani Korman.
“Being invited to the White House was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the fact that we got to share that moment with each other made it even more special,” said Torrecillas-Jouault.
In the 2023-2024 season, Kenyon College had a 4-3 dual meet record and clinched a North Coast Athletic Conference title for the 28th time. The team needed to come back from an 18 point deficit heading into the last day of competing.
The Owls then went to Greensboro, N.C. for the Division III National Championship where they had four national title winning swimmers, three silver medals and three bronze medals. In total they earned 44 All-America Awards and set two program records.
“I feel so grateful to be a part of this spectacular team, I am beyond proud of all the hard work and dedication that we have put in to achieve what we have this year,” McCallie said in a release by Kenyon College. “Getting to experience winning a national championship was incredible, and the honor of being invited to the White House just made it that much more special.”
Sophie Schmitz, a senior on the 2023-24 team added, “To me, winning the NCAA Championship this year was such a fulfilling experience. Kenyon's swimming and diving program has a history of excellence, and it means a lot to have contributed to and continued that legacy. It means even more to be able to celebrate that with the team at the White House. It is a really special and unique opportunity that I am incredibly grateful for.”
