York College Swimming Team Award Highlights Academic, Athletic Success
The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) has named the York College of Pennsylvania men's and women's swimming teams as recipients of the prestigious Scholar All-America award. This national recognition is awarded to collegiate swimming and diving programs that excel both in the classroom and in the pool.
"The Scholar All-America award is yet another testament to the dedication of our student-athletes and the leadership of Coach Birkir Jonsson,” said Dr. Thomas Burns, President of York College of Pennsylvania. “At York College, we emphasize the balance between academics and athletics, and this achievement exemplifies that commitment. Our swimmers represent us competitively and as scholars and leaders in our campus community.”
To earn this recognition, teams were required to achieve a GPA above 3.0 during the Fall 2024 semester. The Spartan men finished the fall semester with a team GPA of 3.33, while the women posted a 3.55 team GPA. York College’s swimming program continues to exemplify the highest standards of excellence, demonstrating the institution’s dedication to student success.
“Academic and athletic success go hand in hand at York College,” said Paul Saikia, Assistant Dean for Athletics and Recreation. “Our student-athletes embrace the challenge of excelling in both areas, and this award reflects their perseverance and commitment. We are incredibly proud of our swimming teams and their dedication to representing York College with integrity and excellence.”
Academic and athletic success extends beyond the swimming team. In Fall 2024, every Spartan team had a collective GPA of 3.1 or higher, with 85 student-athletes achieving a 4.0.
During the 2024-25 dual meet season, the men’s swimming team went 8-2, while the women’s team finished with a 6-4 record. That’s the Spartan women’s best dual meet in five years. Both teams will head to the 2025 Middle Atlantic Conference championships on February 13-16 at the Graham Aquatic Center in York.
This achievement highlights the College’s ongoing investment in student-athlete success. The college ensures that students in all athletic programs receive the support needed to thrive academically and competitively. The York College swimming program fosters a strong foundation for leadership, discipline, and lifelong achievement.
For more information about York College athletics, visit ycpspartans.com.
