“We are extremely proud of these five student-athletes not only for what they accomplished in the pool this season, but also their dedication and hard work in the classroom,” said head coach Gerry Cournoyer. “This is a major honor for our program which represents the pride we ask our student-athletes to take in everything they do.”
Geiger finished 10th in the 100 butterfly and 15th in the 50 freestyle at the 2016 America East Championships in Worcester, helping the Catamounts finish third for the fourth straight year. Last year as a rookie, she earned a spot on the America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll and is on track to be selected again this season. Geiger owns a 3.92 GPA as a biological sciences major.
Holmquist had four top-5 finishes during her junior season and posted a second place finish as a member of the 200 free relay team in a home meet against Northeastern at Forbush Natatorium. She was named to the America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll as a freshman and made the Academic Honor Roll as a sophomore. Holmquist maintains a 3.71 GPA in business administration.
Mantz was recognized with the America East Elite 18 Award at the league championship meet for her combined accomplishments in the pool and the classroom. She earned All-Conference honors in four different events at the America East Championships, including three individual races and a team title in the 200 free relay. A two-time member of the America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll, the junior carries a 3.58 GPA in business administration.
Melloni was honored on the America East All-Academic Team for the third time in her career. The senior placed eighth in the 200 backstroke and 12th in the 100 back at the America East Championships to close her UVM career. The three-time America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection has a near-perfect 3.94 GPA as an electrical engineering major.
Preston won the 1-meter diving competition and finished as the runner-up in the 3-meter diving event at the championship meet to earn All-Conference honors in both events. Preston was a four-time America East Diver of the Week as a senior and has been named to the America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll on three occasions. She boasts a 3.52 GPA in elementary education.
To be eligible for the All-Academic Team, student-athletes must have sophomore athletic eligibility, attain a 3.30 minimum grade-point average, and be a significant contributor on their team. The squad is voted on by a committee made up of America East student-athlete support and athletic communications administrators as well as faculty athletic representatives.
Vermont was also designated as a Scholar All-America Team by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) for the fall semester with a team GPA of 3.21. The Catamounts were one of four America East programs to earn the distinction along with New Hampshire, UMBC, and Binghamton.
Swimming news courtesy of Vermont Swimming & Diving.