Swimming and Diving Excels In and Out of Classroom

Jan. 30, 2002

FRESNO, Calif. - The swimming and diving program is known for its past success in academics. As many athletes come to realize, balancing school work and the demands of participating in college athletics can be difficult. Head swimming and diving coach, Daniella Irle sets her academic standards equally with her demands in the pool.

"Our team understands the importance of academics and the standards we set as a program, from the moment they join the team," said Irle. "As coaches we put a heavy emphasis on education. Our demands of them in the pool are equally as much in the classroom, if not more."

Student-athletes who join the program, not only join to become better as swimmers or divers, but to also excel in the classroom. Coaching staff support is tremendous in teaching not only the aspects of aquatics, but of learning as well. Junior Jessica Klenner, one of the Bulldogs' top freestylists believes Coach Irle's emphasis on getting good grades has helped her become more focused in the classroom and in the pool.

"As student-athletes I believe we are fortunate to have people around us who guide us through our education. They help us strengthen our time management skills through scheduling, tutoring and mentoring. Those things are so important to a student-athlete, whose time must be devoted to many different tasks. Coach Irle's emphasis on taking our drive for excellence in the classroom is something I am fortunate to be a part of."

This fall, the Bulldogs proved just how successful mixing sports and college could be. Of the 23 team members, 11 were on the Deans List, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or above. In addition, 18 of the 23 were a named to the "3.0" Club, which is an award given by Coach Irle to athletes who obtain a 3.0 or above. Below is a list of athletes who earned such an honor.


Deans List (3.5 or Above)
Kristin Leon (Fr., Distance Free/Fly)Tawne Fishback (Fr., Sprint Fly/Breast)Ashleigh Raley (Fr., Diving)Kim Hitch (Fr., Back/IM)Lindsey Paulekas (Fr., Diving)Alicia Wilson (Fr., Sprint Free)Carolyn Wigginton (Fr., Back/IM)Stacy Brock (Fr., Breast/IM)Rebecca Cannady (Fr., Breast)Jessica Jimenez (Fr., Fly/Free)Jessica Klenner (Jr., Distance Free/Fly)

"3.0 Club" (3.0 or Above)
Kristin Leon (Fr., Distance Free/Fly)Tawne Fishback (Fr., Sprint Fly/Breast)Ashleigh Raley (Fr., Diving)Kim Hitch (Fr., Back/IM)Lindsey Paulekas (Fr., Diving)Alicia Wilson (Fr., Sprint Free)Carolyn Wigginton (Fr., Back/IM)Stacy Brock (Fr., Breast/IM)Rebecca Cannady (Fr., Breast)Jessica Jimenez (Fr., Fly/Free)Jessica Klenner (Jr., Distance Free/Fly)Kristi Collins (So., Fly/IM)Greer McGettrick (So., Breast/Free)Minja Mickelsen (Fr., Free/Back)Jesie Lewis (Sr., Sprint/Mid Free)Cassandra Eckart (Fr., Back/Free)Jennifer Palmberg (Fr., Sprint Free)Jolene Valley (Fr., Fly/Free)

Fresno State Athletics

Swimming and Diving Excels In and Out of Classroom

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