KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Five divers from the St. Olaf College women’s swimming and diving team competed at the NCAA Division III Region 1 Diving Championships on Friday and Saturday at Kalamazoo College Natatorium.
First year Alayna McCormick, sophomore Emma Haines, senior Zibby Hanifl, sophomore Erica Johnson, and sophomore Savannah Carr represented St. Olaf at the regional meet, giving the Oles the largest contingent of women’s divers at the meet.
McCormick posted St. Olaf’s top scores of the regional on both the one-meter (395.70) and three-meter (410.25) boards and concluded the meet as the region’s No. 2 alternate for the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships. McCormick’s scores ranked eighth and 10th, respectively, at the regional and second and third among first-year divers.
Haines placed 15th in the one-meter event (370.30) and 29th in the three-meter diving (308.25), while Hanifl posted top-20 scores on both boards. Hanifl was 17th on the lower board (366.80) and 18th on the higher board (361.05). Johnson joined McCormick, Haines, and Hanifl in the top 20 on the one-meter board (18th, 362.75), while sophomore Savannah Carr finished 26th (347.30) and 25th (342.15), respectively.
The diving national qualifiers will officially be announced on Monday, March 2 on NCAA.org.
St. Olaf College, home to the Oles, is a small private liberal arts college located in beautiful Northfield, Minnesota. The St. Olaf Swim and Dive team, led by Head Coach Bob Hauck, competes DIII in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). When it comes to recruiting, Hauck prioritizes attitude, work ethic, and accountability, seeking athletes who are goal-oriented and team-focused. “Our program’s culture is centered on family,” Hauck says. “It’s a welcoming, supportive environment that’s both encouraging and challenging.” This close-knit team culture, along with a rich history and supportive coaching staff, has helped to create a unique space where athletes not only compete at high levels but also form lifelong bonds. Hauck invites student-athletes who are excited for a rewarding college experience—where academics, swimming, and diving work in harmony. He looks for well-rounded individuals who are ready to contribute to St. Olaf’s long-standing tradition of excellence. “If you’re looking for a program with history, support, and the chance to develop into the best version of yourself, St. Olaf is the place to be,” he says.