OU Swimming & Diving Celebration

April 20, 2023

  • First of all congratulations to the Men’s Swimming and Diving for winning its 45th consecutive conference championship….

  • And congratulations to the Women’s Swimming and Diving for winning its 29th straight conference championship.

  • I don’t want to go too far out on the limb, but I think it’s safe to say that winning is a tradition here with Oakland University’s Swimming and Diving teams.

  • Your effort and success in swimming, diving and academics make all of us so proud.

  • I’d like to take just a moment to congratulate those who have received awards for their outstanding accomplishments….

  • Ellle Chalifoux, the 2023 Horizon League Championship Special Awards as Women's Diver of the Meet

  • Susan LaGrand, co-Women's Swimmer of the Meet 

  • Marko Khotynetski, Men's Swimmer of the Meet 

  • Larry Albright, Women's Diving Coach of the Year

  • Pete Hovland, Women's Swimming Coach of the Year 

  • And Susan LaGrand, who qualified for the NCAA Championships for the third consecutive year.  

Other notable accomplishments include…

  • The men’s team finished 5th…and the women’s team finished 16th at the CSCAA (College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America) National Invitational Championship 

  • We are extremely proud of the 8 student-athletes named to the College Sports Communicators All-District All-Academic Team. They include:

  • Christian Bart

  • Andrew Bernsdorf

  • Sam McKenzie

  • Ben Rojewski

  • Taylor Bailey

  • Susan LaGrand

  • Sohvi Nenonen

  • Jordyn Shipps

  • In addition, 13 Oakland Swim and Dive student-athletes were named to the Horizon League All-Academic Team 

  • The Swimming and Diving teams are  a central part of the Oakland University tradition and identity…

  • The Swimming and Diving teams embody all that we stand for at Oakland University – hard work, integrity, commitment to excellence, selflessness…and of course….teamwork.

  • There is a reason so many of us follow sports teams…. 

  • Sports is a metaphor for the “game of life.”

  • And the traits that make each of you great competitors are the traits that will make you a great success outside of the pool … in the game of life.

  • Congratulations on your impressive accomplishments…

  • We appreciate the standard you have set… and for representing Oakland University with such grace, style and distinction.

  • Thank you for making us all so proud.