Xavier Prep swim/dive earns academic All-American distinction

Competitors on Phoenix Xavier Prep's swim and dive team have a 3.928 grade-point average.

Because of that, the Gators earned Gold-Level Team Scholar recognition from the National InterscholasticSwimming Coaches Association (NISCA), placing them among the top academic programs in the country.

The school announced the achievement in a media release on April 15.

Players are intoduced before the UCLA Bruins play the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA women's basketball national championship game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.

The UCLA Bruins celebrate their 79-51 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks to claim the NCAA women's basketball national championship at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.

Sunrise Mountain Mustangs Malachi Huisman (left) celebrates his game-winning goal during their overtime victory against the Mica Mountain Thunderbolts during the Open Division boys state high school soccer championship game on March 2, 2026, played at Mesa High School.

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Team USA Stars guard Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns embraces former president Barack Obama in Game 1 during the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Feb. 15, 2026.

ASU Sun Devils mascot Sparky enters the court before their game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Feb. 1, 2026.

Nicolai Højgaard takes a shot from the bunker at the 16th hole of the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on Feb. 7, 2026.

ASU Sun Devils guard Gabby Elliott (0) looks to pass the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Feb. 1, 2026.

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Arizona State Sun Devils guard Moe Odum (5) dribbles past Colorado Buffaloes center Elijah Malone (50) in the first half at the CU Events Center in Boulder, on Feb. 7, 2026.

Suns guard Jalen Green comes out pregame during a game against the 76ers at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz. on Feb. 7, 2026.

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Players are intoduced before the UCLA Bruins play the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA women's basketball national championship game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.

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Players are intoduced before the UCLA Bruins play the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA women's basketball national championship game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.

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The UCLA Bruins celebrate their 79-51 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks to claim the NCAA women's basketball national championship at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.

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Sunrise Mountain Mustangs Malachi Huisman (left) celebrates his game-winning goal during their overtime victory against the Mica Mountain Thunderbolts during the Open Division boys state high school soccer championship game on March 2, 2026, played at Mesa High School.

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Team USA Stars guard Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns embraces former president Barack Obama in Game 1 during the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Feb. 15, 2026.

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ASU Sun Devils mascot Sparky enters the court before their game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Feb. 1, 2026.

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Nicolai Højgaard takes a shot from the bunker at the 16th hole of the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on Feb. 7, 2026.

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ASU Sun Devils guard Gabby Elliott (0) looks to pass the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Feb. 1, 2026.

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Arizona Diamondbacks Nolan Arenado (center) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale.

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Arizona State Sun Devils guard Moe Odum (5) dribbles past Colorado Buffaloes center Elijah Malone (50) in the first half at the CU Events Center in Boulder, on Feb. 7, 2026.

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Suns guard Jalen Green comes out pregame during a game against the 76ers at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz. on Feb. 7, 2026.

This distinction is awarded to 15% of high school aquatic athletes nationally. Student-athletes must maintain a 3.75 GPA to qualify while competing at a high level and making an impact on the program.

Xavier's academic All-Americans are Audrey McEwen (swimming), Sophia Villanueva (swimming), Ellie Desmond (diving), Adriana Lauterborn (swimming), Sophie Dumanski (swimming) and Stella Vinokur (swimming).

“We are incredibly proud of these young women,” Xavier coach David Smithers said in the release. "What they’ve accomplished goes far beyond the pool.

"It takes discipline, resilience, and real commitment to excel at this level academically while competing in a demanding sport. These honors reflect who they are: driven, focused, and committed to being their best in every part of their lives.”

From left to right, Xavier swim and dive competitors received Academic All-American recognition: Audrey McEwen, Sophia Villanueva, Ellie Desmond, Adriana Lauterborn, Sophie Dumanski and Stella Vinokur.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Xavier Prep swim/dive earns academic All-American honors