Celebrating Academic Excellence: Swim and Dive Teams Shine in All-District Honors
HONOLULU — Academic achievements often go unnoticed amidst the splash of success in athletics, but the University of Hawai’i swim and dive teams are making waves both in the pool and in the classroom. Five remarkable student-athletes have earned spots on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, showcasing their commitment to excellence in both their academic and athletic pursuits.
A Stellar Representation of Women’s Swimming
This year, the shine of the Rainbow Wahine is reflected in the achievements of four outstanding female athletes:
Catherine Belyakov: A Transformative Senior Year
- Major: Finance
- Highlights:
- Achieved third place as part of the 800 free relay team at the Big West Championships.
- Celebrated with three Big West Athlete of the Week titles (October 15, October 29, November 26).
- Actively volunteers at the Hawaiian Humane Society, reflecting her dedication to community service.
- Honored with an academic performance scholarship from the Shidler School of Business last semester.
Nellie Thompson: A Fierce Competitor
- Major: Public Administration
- Achievements:
- Secured nine podium finishes this season, underscoring her competitive spirit.
- Engaged in multiple environmental restoration community service activities, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact.
Arianna Sakellaris: Graduate with a Winning Spirit
- Major: Clinical Research
- Accomplishments:
- Contributed to her team’s Big West Championship victory as part of the 400 free relay team.
- Helped the 800 free relay team clinch third place at the Big West Championships.
- Played an active role in the Women Speaking Out event at the Swing Fore Love Charity Golf Invitational, advocating for crucial social issues.
Holly Nelson: A Champion on Multiple Fronts
- Major: Psychology
- Notable Achievements:
- Dominated the Big West Championships as the champion in the 50 free, excelling in both the 200 free relay and 400 free relay teams.
- Garnered three silver medals in the 100 free, 200 medley relay, and 400 medley relay.
- Committed to community service through beach cleanups and various fundraising initiatives, including shaving her head to support leukemia patients.
Men’s Swimming Spotlight: Milan Bukovics
Representing the Rainbow Warriors, Milan Bukovics has also made a significant impact:
Milan Bukovics: Engineering Success
- Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Highlights:
- Finished fourth in the 400 IM at the Big West Championships, showcasing his talent under pressure.
- Achieved victory in eight individual events throughout the season, demonstrating his prowess in the pool.
- Volunteers as an avionics lead for Team Robotics of Space Exploration at UH, blending his academic pursuits with practical applications in technology.
Qualification Criteria for Academic All-District Teams
To secure a spot on the coveted Academic All-District team, student-athletes must meet stringent criteria:
- Be at least a sophomore.
- Maintain a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA.
- Compete in at least five competitions or finish top-eight at a conference meet.
Selected individuals stand a chance to be recognized as CSC Academic All-America finalists, with first-, second-, and third-team honorees announced on April 22 (women) and April 23 (men).
A Remarkable Achievement that Celebrates Dual Excellence
The recognition of these exemplary student-athletes serves as a testament to the hard work and determination they exhibit in both their academic and athletic endeavors. They inspire all those who aspire to achieve excellence both in the classroom and the pool.
For detailed profiles of each athlete and to follow the latest updates, visit the CSC Academic All-District Men’s Swim and Dive Team and CSC Academic All-District Women’s Swim and Dive Team.
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