Wheaton College synchronized swimming junior Christiana Butera (San Diego, CA/Academy of Our Lady of Peace) is believed to be the first NCAA Division III swimmer named to a U.S. national team, as she was one of 12 athletes selected to represent her country at the 14th FINA World Aquatics Championships from July 16-31 in Shanghai, China.

The roster includes five returning athletes from the 2010 national team that took sixth at last year's competition. Team USA began training on January 24 in Indianapolis, Indiana, home of USA Synchro national headquarters and sponsor Saint Vincent Sports Performance (SVSP). With Butera in the midst of her college season, she will join the national team later this year.

"The whole thing seemed unreal," said Butera, referring to her reaction when learning she'd made the team. "I was in complete disbelief. Even when I realized I had a good chance of making it, I had no real concept of what that meant until they called my name. I was so incredibly proud, honored and excited."

Butera's selection comes on the heels of former teammate Laura Montes '10 being chosen as a member of Puerto Rico's national synchronized swimming team that competed last summer at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico