UIW Celebrates Artistic Swimming Team’s Historic National Championship Win

Excitement was in the air as the UIW community gathered to celebrate the Artistic Swimming team for its inaugural USA Artistic Swimming National Championship victory, marking a significant milestone in the school's athletic journey. In a display of unity and camaraderie, students, faculty, staff, and supporters came together in the Student Engagement Center to honor the team for their remarkable achievement. 

The team's triumph embodied UIW's core values of Faith, Education, Service, Innovation, and Truth. Head Coach Alyson Haylor's leadership, grounded in holistic development, nurtured her student athletes, compassionate purpose-driven individuals committed to making a positive impact on their team and their school. Haylor’s approach led the team to securing the school’s first athletics national championship in just the two short years since being named head coach. Her leadership also earned her the coveted title of National Coach of the Year.  

UIW President Dr. Thomas Evans addressed the crowd, expressing his admiration for Haylor’s transformative influence on the team's trajectory, and the team's dedication and resilience. He praised their relentless work ethic and commitment, emphasizing how their remarkable journey epitomized the spirit of perseverance ingrained in the UIW community. 

Evans then touched upon what he deemed the team's "secret weapon" — the team’s heart. He shared with the crowd moments when he was witness to their passion and determination, noting that it was their collective spirit and love for their sport that propelled them to victory. In a world driven by competition and metrics, Evans emphasized the immeasurable power of heart and passion, qualities that set the UIW Artistic Swimming team apart. 

Throughout the celebration, the team’s bond was evident. As two student-athletes addressed the crowd, their teammates looked on proudly, exchanging joyful glances and smiles. The campus community celebrated the culmination of the team's journey — a testament to their dedication and spirit. The combined efforts of the 22 student-athletes from eight different countries, showcased the power of diversity and unity, as they came together as one team to achieve greatness. Their historic win not only secured a championship title but also reaffirmed UIW's position as a beacon of excellence in athletics and beyond on the national stage.