You Won't Believe How Eight Clarkson Swimmers Achieved Academic Stardom – Discover Their Secret!

In a remarkable display of dedication and talent, eight members of the Clarkson University Swimming & Diving team have been recognized for their exceptional performance both in the pool and on their academic fronts. This recognition comes as the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District teams were announced, underscoring the university's commitment to excellence in both athletics and education.

The 2025-26 Academic All-District® Swimming and Diving Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, honor the nation’s top student-athletes for their achievements in academics and athletics. To qualify, nominees must maintain a 3.50 GPA or higher, have at least sophomore standing in both athletic and academic capacities, and participate in at least 90% of their team’s competitions or start 66% of the games.

From the Golden Knights’ Men's Swimming squad, the honorees include Mason Cartier, Gavin Cibelli, Andrew Sammons, and Matthew Sitarek. On the women's side, the commendable student-athletes are Natasha Hurff, Kirsten Iles, Fiona Reilly, and Evelyn Vieira.

Mason Cartier, a junior majoring in Software Engineering, showcased his skills at the Liberty League Championships held in February, where he competed in three finals. His standout performance was in the 100 backstroke, finishing 10th with a time of 52.86 seconds. He also placed 14th in the 200 backstroke and 16th in the 100 butterfly.

Gavin Cibelli, a sophomore majoring in Financial Information & Analysis, made history as the first diver from Clarkson to qualify for the NCAA Division III diving regionals since 2019. He achieved an impressive 11th place in the 3-meter dive and 12th in the 1-meter dive, along with a new school record of 457.05 points in the 3-meter at the Liberty League Championships.

Andrew Sammons, another junior, is dual majoring in Computer Science and History. He excelled in the conference meet, participating in two 'A' finals and securing 4th in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:05.28 and 8th in the 100 breaststroke.

Matthew Sitarek, a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, competed in three 'B' finals at the Liberty League Championships. His highest finish came in the 100 breaststroke where he placed 11th with a time of 59.75 seconds.

On the women's team, Natasha Hurff, a sophomore majoring in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, earned points in three finals at the Liberty League Championships. She finished 10th in the 1650 freestyle, 14th in the 500 freestyle, and 18th in the 200 freestyle.

Kirsten Iles, also a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering, participated in two 'C' finals, finishing 20th in both the 200 freestyle and the 500 freestyle.

Fiona Reilly, a sophomore studying Chemical Engineering, competed in three finals at the conference championship, securing 15th in the 200 breaststroke, 16th in the 200 individual medley, and 23rd in the 100 breaststroke.

Evelyn Vieira, a sophomore majoring in Chemical Engineering, made headlines by breaking her own school record in the 1-meter dive at the 2026 Liberty League Championships with a score of 351.20 points. She also set a new record at the Middlebury Invitational in late January for the 3-meter dive, scoring 371.50 points.

This recognition of the Clarkson University Swimming & Diving team members not only highlights their athletic prowess but also their commitment to academic excellence. As these student-athletes balance rigorous academic programs with the demands of competitive sports, they exemplify the spirit of dedication and hard work that is vital in both arenas.