Federal Way, Wash. – March 22, 2025 - Aranza Vázquez Montaño added to her accolades, earning an All-America honor at the NCAA Championships held in Federal Way, Washington. The Tar Heels are currently positioned 14th in the standings amidst fierce competition, having picked up 50 points thus far in the championship.
On March 21, Vázquez Montaño showcased her prowess in the diving events, finishing fifth in the 3-meter springboard with an impressive score of 361.15. This finish marks her second consecutive podium appearance, as she had previously placed fourth in the 1-meter springboard competition just the night before.
Skyler Smith complemented Vázquez Montaño's success by securing Honorable Mention All-America honors in the 100 breaststroke. Smith placed seventh in the consolation final with a time of 59.08 seconds. In addition to Smith's achievement, Emma Karam made waves in her prelims, where she clocked a personal best of 51.52 in the 100 backstroke. This notable performance puts Karam sixth all-time at the University of North Carolina for the event.
The results from the NCAA Championships point to a day of both triumph and effort for the University of North Carolina's swimming and diving team. In the finals of the 100 breaststroke consolation, Smith clocked 59.08 seconds, managing a respectable show but narrowly missing out on higher placements. Vázquez Montaño's scoring continued to bolster the Tar Heels’ standing, highlighting her status as a key athlete for the team.
In the team relay events, UNC's 400-Medley Relay team, consisting of G. Pattison, S. Smith, L. Sawyer, and G. Nel, secured a finish time of 3:31.94. While they did not advance to the final round, this performance added to the cumulative score the team has built in the championship.
The competition didn't end there—other notable performances included Aislin Farris finishing 23rd in the 400 IM with a time of 4:08.97 and Mary Macaulay who trailed closely behind in 32nd place with a time of 4:11.74. In the 200 Freestyle, Maren Conze touched the wall at 1:46.04 to secure 42nd place, showing perseverance amidst tough competition.
For Smith, the road to this year's NCAA Championships has included decades of hard work. "It’s always special to compete at this level, and to achieve All-America status was definitely a goal of mine this season," Smith noted, emphasizing the discipline and dedication it takes to reach this pinnacle.
Emma Karam further underscored her potential for future competitions, also aiming to climb the ranks in collegiate swimming. Her personal best signifies strong potential as she heads deeper into the championships as well.
With the championships continuing, the Tar Heels look to build on their leader’s accomplishments as they push towards potential tournament advancements. Given the extremely competitive field, every point counts as each swimmer fights through intense final heats.
The championships are a proving ground, and for Vázquez Montaño, Smith, and Karam, the stakes are high. Each performance is an opportunity to not only solidify their places in university history but also to inspire future swimmers on their journey through collegiate athletics.
As of March 22, 2025, with the current standings adding pressure and excitement, fans and teammates alike are keenly watching the unfolding events. The following sessions will determine the final placements and potentially propel athletes toward historic finishes.
For those interested in following the progress of the Tar Heels Swimming & Diving team, updated information can be found at GoHeels.com/Swimming-and-Diving. Observers can also follow the team through social media platforms such as X, Instagram, and Facebook.
