Greensboro, N.C. - Among the top Division III competitors all across the nation, Illinois Tech Swimming and Diving member Anna Slominski spent March 15th - 18th competing in the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships in Greensboro, N.C. Ending their career on a high note, Slominski competed in the 50 Yard Freestyle on the 15th, the 100 Yard Breaststroke on the 17th, and closed out the weekend in the 200 Yard Breaststroke on the 18th.
On the 15th, Slominski competed in the 50 Yard Freestyle Preliminaries and finished their race in a time of 23.67 seconds, breaking their own school record (previously 23.75 which was set at the Liberal Arts Conference Championships in February).
After a day of rest, Slominski returned to the pool on the 17th to compete in the 100 Yard Breaststroke. Slominski finished the preliminary race with a time of 1:04.26.
Then, in the final race of their career, Slominski raced in the 200 Yard Breaststroke Preliminaries on the final day of competition. Finishing out their career as a Scarlet Hawk on the grandest stage of them all, Slominski closed out with a time of 2:21.66.
Interim Head Coach William Bafia stated the following after the final day of competition: "We are so proud of Anna for all their hard work in qualifying for the 2023 NCAA DIII National Championships. After having the opportunity canceled in 2020, the invitation was a huge testament to their long road back to personal bests and top times this season.
It's always exciting to be on deck in this environment of the fastest swimmers and most incredible divers in our division. Even with all the excitement comes stress – something that, as an individual qualifier, can be a bit overwhelming. Anna did a tremendous job representing the program and, most importantly, themselves after so many years of competing from a young age. Breaking their record again in the 50 Freestyle, they close out their career on the highest possible note, achieving personal bests in all their individual events this season."
Following Bafia, Assistant Coach Mac Robertson concluded the coaches statements with: "Anna capped off an amazing collegiate career this weekend at the absolute pinnacle of the sport. Through the ups and downs that are the National Championships, they persevered for a best time and placed amongst the country's elite athletes. We are so proud of them representing IIT at the national level and showcasing their hard work this season. It may be Anna's last time competing and setting school records for IIT, but they will always be remembered for their dedication to their teammates and the program."
As their career as a Scarlet Hawk came to an end, Slominski wrapped up their senior season with multiple accolades. Slominski broke multiple school records throughout the season, including their own school records, as well as set new personal records. They finished first ranked among their fellow Liberal Arts Conference competitors, and 55th overall among all of Division III with 709.10 accumulated points.
Congratulations to Slominski from Illinois Tech Athletics for their accomplishments as a Scarlet Hawk!