Thomas is Swimmer of the Year

Wed., Mar 21

Junior Amanda Thomas (Oakville, Conn.) (right) of the Southern Connecticut State University women's swimming and diving team was named the 2012 NCAA Division II Women's Swimmer of the Year following the conclusion of the National Championships on Saturday night. Thomas won national titles in both the 200 and 400 individual medley, was the runner-up in the 200 butterfly and placed third in the 200 backstroke at this year's championships. Voting was conducted by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America.

Thomas' time in the 200 individual medley (2:00.09) was a new NCAA record. By virtue of her efforts this weekend, she now has three NCAA individual titles, three NCAA runner-up marks and is a 14-time All-American for her career.

In all, the Owls had three student-athletes collect seven All-America honors during the championships. Thomas won the NCAA title in both the 200 and 400 individual medley, was the runner-up in the 200 fly and placed third in the 200 backstroke. Amanda Burden (Orange, Conn.) collected accolades in both one- and three-meter diving. Sarah Thompson (Davenport, Iowa) earned recognition in the 200 backstroke.