COLUMBUS, GA- Soka University's Nicole Skrzypek represented the Lions on the National stage last week at the 43^rd annual NAIA Women's Swimming and Diving National Championship competition held March 6^th- 9^th at the Columbus Aquatics Cetner in Columbus, GA.

Skrzypek competed in the 50-yeard Freestyle and 100-yard Freestyle events.

Thursday, March 7^th, played host to the 50-yard Freestyle race. Skrzypek finished tied for 17^th place with a time of 24.49 with two other competitors after the conclusion of the prelim race. At the national competition, a 17^th-place finish results in earning the first alternate spot at finals; thus, the three-way tie for 17^th place resulted in a swim-off.

Skrzypek placed second in the swim-off with a final time of 24.56, earning an 18^th overall finish in the event.

On Saturday, March 9^th, Skrzypek returned to the pool and competed in the 100-yard Freestyle race. She touched in at 54.44 and earned 30^th place overall in the event.   

"We are so proud of Nicole's efforts representing Soka at the 2024 NAIA Swimming and Diving Championships," said Head Coach Adam Crossen. "Qualifying for the meet during her first year not only shows her talent in the sport but also provides great motivation to continue to improve her performance for future seasons. Placing 17^th in the most competitive meet in the NAIA is an accomplishment we can't diminish, and seeing her motivation after the meet gets us excited for what the future holds for her and our program."

Overall, Keiser (Fla.) came away with the team title. They led wire-to-wire and pulled away from the field to win the 2024 NAIA Swimming & Diving Championship. It marks the third-straight national title for the Seahawks, who finished with 655.50 points.