Tennessee Swimming & Diving: Academic Excellence Fuels Poolside Success

Knoxville, Tenn. – Tennessee swimming & diving’s commitment to academic achievement is consistently recognized, with six student-athletes earning Academic All-District accolades from the College Sports Communicators (CSC) this year. This impressive achievement reflects the program’s dedication to developing well-rounded athletes poised for success both in and out of the pool.

Key Honorees Recognized

The following student-athletes were named to the CSC Academic All-District Team:

• Brooklyn Douthwright (Women’s Swimming & Diving): A two-time CSC Academic All-American and a star on the 2024 Paris Olympic team, Douthwright, a Biomedical Engineering major, boasts a 3.82 GPA. Her resume includes three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition and a remarkable 10 All-American honors. “I’m incredibly proud of this honor,” Douthwright said, “But I know this is just the beginning. I’m fueled by the dual challenge of continuous improvement in the pool and in my studies.”
• Josephine Fuller (Women’s Swimming & Diving): Another two-time CSC Academic All-American, Fuller, a Psychology major with a 3.86 GPA, has secured five medals at the NCAA Championships and earned 21 All-America honors during her time at Tennessee.
• Mona McSharry (Women’s Swimming & Diving): A two-time Olympian and a record-holder in the breaststrokes, McSharry, who holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication while pursuing a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology, earned a 3.57 GPA. She amassed seven SEC titles, five NCAA medals, and a staggering 25 total medals from the SEC Championships. “Balancing rigorous training with my academic pursuits has been crucial to my development,” McSharry stated.
• Martin Espernberger (Men’s Swimming & Diving): Espernberger, an Electrical Engineering major with a 3.91 GPA, secured a Fifth-place finish in the 200 fly at the NCAA Championships, earning First Team All-America honors.
• Björn Kammann (Men’s Swimming & Diving): The senior, a Civil Engineering major, concluded his collegiate career with a Ninth-place finish in the 200 fly, earning Second Team All-America accolades. Kammann maintains a 3.50 GPA.
• Camille Spink (Women’s Swimming & Diving): Spink, a sophomore, showcased her talent with a bronze medal in the 100 free at the NCAA Championships. She earned Co-Commissioner’s Trophy honors as the highest point scorer at the meet, and holds a 3.81 GPA as a Sport Management major.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Lady Vols have a historical tradition of academic achievement, boasting an impressive total of 25 All-District selections throughout their program history. The Volunteers have earned 18 All-District honors, demonstrating a consistent commitment to academic excellence alongside competitive success.

How the CSC Academic All-District Team Works

Previously known as CoSIDA, the CSC Academic All-District program recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes who have distinguished themselves in both their sport and in the classroom. These honorees are then placed on the CSC Academic All-America ballot, with First, Second, and Third Team selections announced later this month.

FAQ

• What is the CSC Academic All-District Team? It’s a program recognizing top student-athletes who excel in both their sport and academics.
• How many Tennessee swimmers made the team? Six student-athletes were recognized.
• What are the GPA requirements for this honor? Student-athletes need to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 and be a starter or significant contributor to their team.

Did you know? Tennessee’s swimming and diving teams consistently rank among the top programs in the SEC for academic performance. This year’s honors are a testament to the dedication and work ethic of these student-athletes.

Pro Tip: Successful student-athletes prioritize time management and seek support from academic advisors to balance their demanding schedules.

Reader Question: What’s the biggest challenge facing Tennessee swimmers and divers balancing academics and athletics?

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