WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
GAMBIER, Ohio — Recognition of the Kenyon College women’s swimming and diving team, the 2024 NCAA Division III national champion, reached a whole new level after the Owls received an invitation from the President of the United States to celebrate at the White House, alongside other title-winning teams from various sports and divisions of the NCAA.
The event is scheduled to take place at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, July 22.
“We are all excited about this incredible opportunity the NCAA and the White House have extended to our team in celebration of our women’s 2024 NCAA title,” Associate Head Coach Dani Korman said. “It is an honor to not only be recognized by the President of the United States, but to also be surrounded by excellence with this year’s national champions across all divisions and all sports is remarkable. To be able to bring this team together again at such an important event is something special and an experience we will forever remember.”
The 2023-24 Owls had a 4-3 dual meet record during the regular season and then went on to claim their record 28th North Coast Athletic Conference Championship. A month later, it was on to the NCAA Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina. At the national meet, the Owls racked up 448 points to secure the program’s 25th NCAA crown. No other women’s team, in any sport or division of the NCAA, has more national titles.
“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.”
Sophie Schmitz, a senior on the 2023-24 team said, “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.”
Making the trip to Washington D.C., in addition to Book, Korman and Schmitz, will be team members Kate Bogan, Sydney Buchman, Bengisu Caymaz, Gwen Eisenbeis, Jennah Fadely, Sydney Geboy, Sofia Giordano, Molly Haag, Jordan Herrera, Sarah Hoffman, Sydney McCallie, Lisa Torrecillas-Jouault, Gabrielle Wei, Ashlyn Widmer and Caleigh Wukitch.
