Diver Brian Simonich is among 1,221 first-team recipients from across the country who achieved a grade point average of 3.50 or higher and competed at their respective NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. 

Swimmer Allison Eppinga and diver Sara Plohetski are among 890 honorable-mention selections who achieved a GPA of 3.50 and achieved a "B" time standard or competed at an NCAA Regional or Zone Diving qualifier.

Head coach Jake Taber praised each of Hope’s honorees.

“When you look at the body of work that this put into their seasons and then see that they're getting it done in the classroom too, it just helps you realize they're the total package,” Taber said. “Allison, Brian and Sara are the type of student athletes who make Hope College so special. They are disciplined and talented in their sport and committed to the real reason they're here at Hope — their education.”

Plohetski and Simonich competed as seniors last season, while Eppinga was a junior. 

Simonich finished 12th on the 1-meter board and 23rd on the 3-meter board at the 2019 NCAA Division III Championships. The Highland, Michigan native (Milford HS) graduated from Hope in May after completing a double major of chemistry and engineering.

Plohetski placed sixth on the 3-meter board and 10th on the 1-meter board at the NCAA diving regional. The South Lyon, Michigan native (South Lyon HS) graduated from Hope after finishing a double major in education and Spanish Education.

Eppinga recorded a NCAA B cut in the 100-yard freestyle this season. The Saline, Michigan native (Saline HS) is a business major.

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