Eight members of the University of Massachusetts swim and dive team were recognized on Apr. 7 by the College Sports Communicators as Academic All-District honorees for their achievements in both athletics and academics. The announcement listed Jude Boukarroum, Kendall Gilbert, Maria Grishaeva, Danielle Guerin, Sammy Quigg, Liam Rayson, Aidan Shepston, and Courtney Tedesco as recipients. Additionally, Bell advanced as a finalist for the Academic All-America ballot.
The recognition highlights student-athletes who excel not only in competition but also maintain strong academic records. According to College Sports Communicators guidelines, honorees must hold a grade point average of at least 3.5.
Boukarroum is majoring in mechanical engineering and posted top-20 finishes at the Missouri Valley Conference Championships in multiple freestyle events. Gilbert studies kinesiology and achieved personal bests at the Mid-American Conference Championships. Grishaeva majors in biochemistry and molecular biology; she earned a bronze medal in the 200 breaststroke with one of the fastest times in program history at her conference meet.
Guerin studies sport management and placed among the top divers at her championship event. Quigg is pursuing mechanical engineering while contributing to several record-setting relay teams this season. Rayson majors in hospitality and tourism management; he achieved personal bests across multiple events including relays that finished among top positions.
Shepston is studying computer science and system engineering while swimming on record-breaking relay teams during his conference appearances. Tedesco holds dual majors in finance and economics; she recorded one of UMass’s fastest-ever times in the 50 freestyle during preliminaries this year.
This recognition underscores both athletic performance and academic dedication among UMass swimmers and divers as they continue their collegiate careers.
