Montes de Oca finishes in 28th-place in 1,650 free at NCAA Championships

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Olivet College freshman Ana Paula Montes de Oca finished in 28th-place in the 1,650-yard freestyle at the 2018 NCAA Division IIII Swimming & Diving Championships. She completed her race in 17:49.57, which is still the third-fastest time in school history.

Today's race capped a three-event program for Montes de Oca at the national championships. She also competed in the 500-yard freestyle and 200-yard butterfly. Montes de Oca was the fourth women's swimmer in school history to compete at nationals.

I could not be more proud of Ana Paula and her ability to compete in this meet," said OIivet head coach Rob Brownell. "She was one of only eight women swimmers in the MIAA that qualified.  I know the results were not where she would have wanted them, but regardless, making the NCAA Championship meet is a big step for her and the Olivet College swimming and diving program.

"Ana Paula has shown much grit and determination this season through a lot of diversity. Her ability to travel to a new country, a new culture, learn a new language, and then not only adjust to these things, but thrive socially, academically, and athletically is more than most freshmen could handle. 

"To top things off, she broke five school records and three pool records, was named the Carthage Invitational Female Swimmer of the Meet, and was a two-time MIAA event champion. This national championship will not define her career, but only set up to launch it in the right direction. The adversity has taught her valuable lessons which will only make her better moving forward. Her ceiling is still high, and we cannot wait to see how much she accomplishes next year and beyond!"