More national recognition was bestowed on members of the Emory University swimming & diving teams Wednesday afternoon as three swimmers from the men's program were honored with selections to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America teams. One day earlier, four from the women's team were chosen for the same distinction.
Earning the recognition on Wednesday were senior Jake Meyer and juniors Jeff Echols and Crow Thorsen. Echols was tabbed to the organization's First Team with Meyer being placed on the Second Team and Thorsen securing a spot on the Third Team. The trio helped the Eagles win their third straight national championship in March as well as the team's 25th straight University Athletic Association title.
With the three men's swimming & diving honors, a total of ten Emory Eagles have been named Academic All-Americans for the 2023-24 athletic calendar. Emory University has now seen 223 student-athletes be tabbed as Academic All-Americans in its history.
After being named a CSC Academic All-District selection as a sophomore, Echols earned his first career Academic All-America honor with First Team kudos. In his third season donning an Emory cap, Echols won a national championship as a member of the 200 Medley Relay and helped the 400 Medley Relay finish as national runner-up while swimming a school record time. As an individual, Echols won the consolation final in the 100 Fly and placed 17th in the 200 Fly. At the UAA Championships, Echols was part of two UAA record-setting relays, helping the 200 and 400 Medley Relay teams to conference titles. Additionally, he earned All-UAA honors with a third place effort in the 100 Fly. As a Psychology major, Jeff currently boasts a 3.95 grade point average.
Meyer makes his second straight appearance on the CSC Academic All-America list as he was a First Team selection in 2023. Meyer capped off his outstanding Eagles career this season as he reached the podium in five different events at the NCAA Championships. In the 200 Medley Relay, he was part of his third straight national championship in the event and was the national runner-up in the 100 and 200 Breaststrokes as well as in the 400 Medley Relay. At the UAA Championships, Meyer was a conference champion in four events and helped establish conference meet records in the 200 and 400 Medley relays. As a Business Administration major, Meyer is set to graduate with a 3.83 GPA.
Thorsen collects his first-ever CSC honor with his Third Team selection. As a junior, Thorsen was instrumental in helping the Eagles win their third straight national championship. At nationals, Thorsen was a CSCAA All-American in five events and won his first individual national title with his performance in the 400 IM. Crow aided the 800 Freestyle Relay to a silver medal finish and tacked on a fifth place showing with the 400 Freestyle Relay. Additionally, he touched sixth in the 500 Freestyle and eighth in the 200 Fly. A month prior, Thorsen earned three All-UAA honors at the conference meet as he was crowned the UAA champion in the 400 IM and was the runner-up in the 500 Freestyle and 800 Freestyle Relay. Thorsen is on track to finish his third year with a 3.58 GPA.
The CSC Academic All-America team recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom. To be nominated, student-athletes must be a key member of their respective teams, maintain at least a 3.50 grade point average and be of sophomore standing or higher.
All three Eagles were tabbed to the CSC Academic All-District team at the beginning of April along with senior Harrison Piré and proceeded to be placed on the All-America ballot for voting. CSC Academic All-America Teams are nominated and voted on by College Sport Communicators and Sports Information Directors across all Division III institutions.
To view the full College Sports Communicators announcement, please click here.