McNicholas Wins Diver Of The Week

Senior Olivia McNicholas of the Sacred Heart University women’s swimming and diving team was named Northeast Conference (NEC) Diver of the Week.

This was the second consecutive week McNicholas won this award, and the 13th time she has won this award in her career.

“It’s really motivating to know that I can still do all the things that I used to be able to do. It definitely keeps me on track and more motivated to continue to do well,” said McNicholas.

McNicholas has been an extremely consistent producer for the swimming and diving team over the last four seasons. She has won NEC diver of the week at least twice in each of the last four seasons, including six times last season.

“I just have to keep putting as much effort as I have into every practice, no matter if I’m tired, I need to be giving it my hundred that day. I also think it’s just important to make sure I stay as in shape as I can, and I continue to work out in the off-season,” said McNicholas.

As a nursing major, McNicholas has had to make sure to have a balance between her academics and her athletic commitments.

“A lot of people are surprised at how I do it. But I usually just say, if I didn’t have both of them, I think I would be bored out of my mind,” said McNicholas.

McNicholas wants to use her nursing major to help her in the future.

“I really want to work in the E.R. I worked at one over the summer at home and I fell in love with it,” said McNicholas.

Head Swimming and Diving Coach John Spadafina talked about the importance of McNicholas to the team’s success.

“Olivia’s been a great member of our team, and we are very excited that she has been continually improving on the diving boards over the last few years, and been a great contributor to our dual meets, and will be a great contributor at the conference level as well,” said Spadafina.

The SHU women’s swimming and diving team is currently competing in their dual meets schedule. The team practices at the New Canaan YMCA facility, in New Canaan, CT.

McNicholas has been a great leader for the Pioneers.

“Olivia has helped the team this season with the energy she brings to practice everyday. She is always the first one in the water and the last one out. Her love for diving motivates the rest of the team. Whenever I am nervous to do a dive or need some reassurance, I always go to Olivia for that,” said senior Christianna Tzepos.

The SHU women’s swimming and diving team won their first meet of the season on Oct. 7 against Stonehill College. The team’s next meet will be against Siena College on Saturday, November 11 at the McCann Natatorium in Milford, CT.

Sacred Heart Athletics contributed to this article.