Women’s Swimming & Diving Places Three on College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team

In the realm of collegiate sports, it’s not just athletic prowess that gets recognized; academic success plays an equally significant role. Recently, the WPI women’s swimming and diving team made headlines with the announcement that three of their outstanding student-athletes were honored with spots on the 2024-25 NCAA Division III College Sports Communicators Women’s Swimming and Diving Academic All-District Team. These honors went to Katrina Yurista, Audrey Dino, and Anna Callaghan, exemplifying a remarkable balance between academics and athletics.

### Achievements of WPI’s Rising Stars

#### Katrina Yurista: A Dual Achievement

Katrina Yurista, hailing from Laramie, WY, continues to make waves both in the pool and in the classroom. A junior majoring in civil engineering, she has managed to maintain a perfect 4.00 GPA while excelling in her sport. This year marks her second consecutive recognition on the Academic All-District team, cementing her dedication to both her studies and her sport.

At the 2025 NEWMAC Championships, Yurista showcased her diving talents by finishing seventh in the one-meter and three-meter diving events, scoring 413.20 and 428.40 points, respectively. Her performance was not just noteworthy; she also earned a spot at the NCAA Division III Region 3 Diving Championships for the second year in a row. Here, she placed 22nd in the one-meter event and 26th in the three-meter event. In addition to her All-District honors, Yurista is a two-time NEWMAC Academic All-Conference selection, further reflecting her commitment to academic excellence.

#### Audrey Dino: A Key Contributor

Audrey Dino, from St. Louis, MO, is another shining example of WPI’s commitment to producing well-rounded student-athletes. As a senior civil engineering major with a GPA of 3.63, Dino earned her first Academic All-District recognition this year. Her contributions to the WPI women’s swimming teams were invaluable, particularly during the conference championship meet where she played a crucial role in the team’s 400 Free Relay ‘B’ team, which finished 15th with a time of 3:44.11. Added to her accolades, Dino was also named to the NEWMAC Academic All-Conference team this season, highlighting her exceptional ability to navigate the demands of rigorous academic coursework while excelling in her sport.

#### Anna Callaghan: A Steady Performer

Completing this stellar trio is Anna Callaghan from Yorktown Heights, NY. A senior majoring in biomedical engineering with a GPA of 3.58, Callaghan also received her first Academic All-District accolade this year. Like Dino, she swam alongside her teammate in the 400 Free Relay ‘B’ team, contributing to their 15th-place finish. Callaghan’s excellence has not gone unnoticed, as she has been recognized as a two-time NEWMAC Academic All-Conference recipient.

### The Team’s Overall Performance

The accomplishments of Yurista, Dino, and Callaghan come against the backdrop of WPI’s performance in the 2025 NEWMAC Championships, where the women’s swimming and diving team concluded the event in fifth place, collecting a total of 454 team points. Despite finishing fifth, the highlight came with Yurista representing the women’s program alone at the NCAA Division III Region 3 Diving Championships. Her ability to shine individually amid the team’s collective effort emphasizes the importance of personal dedication within a team dynamic.

### Impact on Future Generations

The recognition of these student-athletes extends beyond personal accolades; it serves as an inspiration for future generations. Young swimmers and divers can look up to players like Yurista, Dino, and Callaghan, understanding that academic excellence is just as crucial as athletic performance. This dual focus not only benefits the individuals involved but also enriches the broader educational environment of WPI and the world of collegiate athletics at large.

### Conclusion

As WPI continues to foster an environment of excellence, the recognition of these three remarkable athletes serves as a testament to the high standards the institution upholds. Swimming and diving may primarily be seen as athletic pursuits, but the achievements of Katrina Yurista, Audrey Dino, and Anna Callaghan remind us that hard work and dedication in academics should not be sidelined. Instead, they should be celebrated just as much as swim meets and diving competitions.

The commitment of WPI’s student-athletes to both their studies and their sports is a reminder that pursuing excellence in multiple areas of life is not only possible but something to aspire to. As we look ahead, one can only wonder how these women will continue to inspire others within their community and beyond, paving the way for future accomplishments in both sports and academia.

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