St. Thomas swim and dive senior Kate Smarjesse, juniors Ashley Christensen and Kirsten Nelson, and first year Anna Astrup represented the Tommies in six events at Nationals on March 20 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The four Tommies competed against other swimming schools across the nation in the 200, 400 medley, the 100 fly, and the 200, 400, and 800 freestyle.

“I think they did a fantastic job representing not just themselves and the team but also the university,” Coach Scott Blanchard said. “The four girls work extremely hard and well together. They should all be very proud of themselves.”

Smarjesse made her fourth consecutive appearance swimming at nationals. Nelson made her second trip, and Christensen and Astrup made their first appearances.

The best results for the Tommies came in the 200 and 400 medley relay. The Tommies placed 22 out of 31 in the 200 and 21 out of 31 in the 400. As a team, St. Thomas placed 61 out of 90.

Christensen enjoyed competing against powerhouse swimming schools they don’t normally see during the season.

“It was really cool to be able to swim against some of the fastest people in D3,” Christiansen said. “It definitely gave me a lot more motivation for next year.”

Blanchard believes the returning swimmers have a strong chance at a Nationals trip next year.

“I think they will be extremely motivated to come back and try to place better than they did this year,” Blanchard said.

Brennan Campbell can be reached at camp3460@stthomas.edu