Summer

Its finally the end. It has been a great year full of many accomplishments and great new friendships. We are so excited for our incoming freshmen and are already looking forward to next season. One of our final team projects was a clinic we hosted on Sunday. We had a great time teaching and writing routines with local club teams as well as working on other skills and techniques. It was a successful day and we are so glad to be able to help and form a close bond with age group swimmers. Finals are coming up and although we are stressed and overwhelmed, we still find time for each other because even when we are out of the pool we are a team and we are best friends. After spending months seeing the same people multiple times a day you would think we would need a break but the truth is, we don't really know what life would be like without each other. I know I will definitely miss my girls and will be on Skype daily with my best friends. Synchro is a part of us not only for the sport but for the experience and relationships that come out of it. Until next season, ~Rebecca

US Collegiate Nationals 2011

The Wheaton College synchronized swimming team recorded its highest finish at a U.S. Collegiate Championship since 2002, as the Lyons placed sixth out of 21 teams

Results

Synchronized Swimming Championships

March 16 - 19 Tonowanda, NY

Overall Team Trophy

Ohio State University 193.0

Stanford University 290.0

University of Incarnate Word 375.0

Canisius College 463.0

Lindenwood University 562.5

Wheaton College 648.5

Gator Synchro 747.0

University of Richmond 834.5

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