Forty Division II college swimming and diving teams - twenty-eight women's and a dozen men's teams - were named as Academic All-American teams for the Spring 2008 semester, the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) announced earlier this week.  Included in honors were both UIndy swimming teams and five individuals.

"We are absolutely delighted with the performance of our Division II student-athletes," commented Coach Sean Tedesco of the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, who chairs the CSCAA's Academic All-American committee.

With nearly 40 percent of women's and over 20 percent of men's teams meeting the standard, Division II swimming offers a balance between both academic excellence and athletics achievement.  According to the NCAA, almost none of the 80,000 Division II student-athletes receive full scholarships, but most receive some form of financial aid.  "This healthy partnership is the essence of Division II," in a statement from the NCAA, "where student-athletes are valued for their athletics contribution and for being an important part of the overall student body."

UIndy finished fourth as a team with a combined Spring 2008 GPA of 3.44.  The Greyhound men were also recognized, finishing ninth among the 12 men's teams honored.

A total of 69 Division II student-athletes – 43 women and 26 men – met the stringent academic and athletic requirements – a GPA of 3.500 or better and qualifying for the NCAA championships – to earn individual Academic All-American honors. Five of those honorees were from the University of Indianapolis:  Ellie Miller (4.00), Isabela Tafur (3.94), Valerie Crosby (3.70), Chad Damitz (3.66) and Keegan Hoey (3.50).  An additional thirty swimmers earned Honorable Mention honors for GPA's of 3.50 or higher with a NCAA Consideration time.

A complete listing of the Division II Academic All-American teams and individuals may be found by clicking here.