Posted: Nov 14, 2023

Athletes of the Week Nov. 5 - 11, 2023

Female Swimmer of the Week

Kateryna Kashyrina, Arizona Christian University, Sophomore

On Saturday, November 11, the ACU women soared through in the third annual Wyatt Balman Invitational hosted by Soka University.

Five lady Firestorms produced NAIA provisional national cut times, highlighted by Kateryna dropping 20 seconds from her best time in the 500 free. Kateryna won the event with a time of 5:25.75.

Up next for Kateryna and the lady Firestroms is a meet versus Grand Canyon University on December 8.

Jonathan, two-time NAIA Nationals qualifier and the Spirits’ first-ever NAIA All-American, won the 100 back at the third annual Wyatt Balman Invitational on November 11 with his season-best time of 53.01.

His time is a provisional cut for the NAIA nationals, and it places him 5th in the Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference for 100 back this season.

Female Freshman of the Week

Lauren Smith, Biola University

Lauren has progressively improved her Diving Difficulties on both boards each week she has competed. Last Saturday’s third annual Wyatt Balman Invitational was the second time Lauren has competed 11-dive on 1-meter, and she had a lifetime BEST by over 30 points! Lauren currently sits at #6 on 1M 6-dive scores in the conference!

A talented swimmer in her own right, Lauren also sits at #16 in 50 Breast, #19 in 100 Breast, and #26 in the 200 Breast in the conference!

Female Diver of the Week

Lorelai Carney, Biola University, Junior

Lorelai wins her second PCSC Diver of the Week honors this season. She improved on her 11-dive 1-meter score from the previous week vs Arizona Pacific University. She qualified for the NCAA Division II Qualification meet the previous week with a lifetime best on 1-meter only to improve that score this week at the third annual Wyatt Balman Invitational hosted by Soka University on November 11.

Lorelai now holds the school record in the 11-dive 1-meter for the Biola University women’s dive program. She also has the highest 11-dive and 6-dive score on 1-meter in the conference.

Male Freshman of the Week

CJ Trettel, Arizona Christian University

Competing for the first time out of the state of Arizona during their 2023-24 season, the Firestorm men found success in the pool at Soka University’s third annual Wyatt Balman Invitational.

CJ took the crown in 500 free and went under 5:00 for the first time. CJ’s 4:57.58 in 500 free is the 19th fastest time in PCSC this season.

During the post-meet interview, Coach Herring said, "The men had some great swims amongst good competitors. We are looking at resting for a meet in early December to see more times drop.”

CJ and his ACU teammates will hit the competitive pool against Grand Canyon at Brophy Prep on December 9.

Male Diver of the Week

Sebastian Burgos, Biola University, Junior

Sebastian competed in his first 11-dive event on 1-meter of the season this weekend at the third annual Wyatt Balman Invitational hosted by Soka University. He placed second on both boards while solidifying a Top-5 program all-time 11 dive score for 1-meter.

This is Sebastian’s second Pacific Collegiate Swim & Dive Conference Diver of the Week honors of the 2023-2024 season.