Grand Rapids, Mich – The Aquinas College Swim & Dive team is making history, sending its largest group of national qualifiers ever to the 2025 NAIA National Championships, held March 5-8 at the Beacon Health Aquatic Center in Elkhart, Indiana.
For the first time in program history, the Saints will compete in relay events on the women's side, a testament to the team's rapid growth and increasing presence on the national stage.
Coach Hepp's Take: A Program on the Rise
Head Coach Kristy Hepp is thrilled about the depth and talent of this year's national qualifiers.
"When the national qualifiers were announced, it was so exciting. We have several who will be going this year—potentially our largest group yet, with our first relays ever on the women's side. We will be sending an AQ Swim & Dive team that has a bright future, and we are so proud of both the women's and men's teams."
With 10 student-athletes qualifying, including a strong mix of underclassmen and experienced returners, the Saints are set to make a splash on the national stage.
Women's National Qualifiers
Swimmers:
Relay Events (First Time in Program History):
- 200 Medley Relay
- 800 Free Relay
- 200 Free Relay
- 400 Medley Relay
- 400 Free Relay
Men's National Qualifiers
Swimmers & Divers:
A Historic Moment for Aquinas Swim & Dive
With a record number of events and qualifiers, Aquinas is sending a young but talented squad to the NAIA's biggest stage. The addition of relay teams on the women's side signals a new era for the Saints as they continue to build a championship-caliber program.
Coach Kristy Hepp added, ""I am overjoyed to see our team's hard work and goals come to fruition. To have five men and five women qualified for the meet is a big accomplishment for our program and falls in line with my vision of becoming a top-10 team in the nation. Half of the qualifiers are freshmen, so it's great for them to get the experience and learn from some of the veteran athletes. We have the potential to score the most team points in our short team history. Even more-so than their accomplishments, I am proud of each athlete's personal character growth and commitment to the team. The strength of our relationships reflect the impact of our accomplishments, and I can't wait for next week!"
As the Saints prepare to take on the nation's best, all eyes will be on this group to see just how far they can go in one of the program's most exciting seasons yet.
