The women’s swimming and diving team delivered a historic finish at the GLIAC championships, with junior nursing major Alexa Hieber’s record-breaking victory in the 1650-yard freestyle.
Hieber touched the wall in 17:01.11, claiming her first GLIAC championship title while breaking her own program record, which she set last season. This was her third individual record and contributed to a total of five record-setting swims, including relay appearances in the 400-yard and 800-yard freestyle teams.
For Hieber, the victory was less about placement and more about progress.
“I am typically never focused on where I am seeded. If you have a lane, you have a chance to win,” Hieber said. “Going into the 1650 this year, my only goal was to improve my time, thus breaking my own record, and also getting myself on the invite list for the NCAA National Championship later this season.”
Beyond the time itself, the swim carried emotional meaning for Hieber.
“This swim felt extremely special to me since it was my first GLIAC championship title while simultaneously being a new school record,” Hieber said.
The mile, often regarded as both a mental and physical test, unfolded according to a strategy Hieber trusted throughout the race.
“The mental grind, for me, begins around the 1,000-yard mark (40 lengths in). The first half of the race is all about getting into a rhythm and ensuring not to expend too much energy too early on,” Hieber said. “In the final 500 yards, I’m mostly just reminding myself that my mind gives up before my body does, and I am physically capable of holding my pace and finishing the race.”
Balancing a rigorous nursing curriculum with distance training translated to much of Hieber’s preparation beyond regular practice hours, often working with coaches who stayed late to ensure she maintained training volume and intensity.
Teammates also played a crucial role throughout championship week. The collective spirit was visible on deck when the final time appeared, as sophomore nursing teammate Ella Desjean recalled the emotional win.
“Honestly, I was just so happy for her… everyone on deck was screaming,” Desjean said. “You could just tell how much that swim meant, and knowing how hard she’s worked made it even better.”
The performance also reflected broader momentum within the program. After sitting in fifth place throughout the four-day meet, the women surged on the final day to finish fourth overall with 433 points.
Desjean commented on Hieber’s personality and competitiveness.
“When [Hieber’s] in your lane, you don’t want to fall behind — it pushes you to step up and match her effort,” Desjean said. “She brings that edge to practice every day, and it raises the intensity for everyone around her.”
Hieber has her sights set on the NCAAs.
“I am extremely excited for the NCAAs this year. Achieving personal bests at GLIACs definitely gives me some confidence going into NCAAs,” Hieber said. “It also sets the bar higher for where I want to be time-wise in my events once the NCAA Championship is over.”
Head Coach Jason Lintger also expressed hopes for the NCAA Championships.
“Lexi had a fantastic performance at the GLIAC Championships. Winning the GLIAC Championship in the mile was definitely the highlight,” Lintjer said. “We’re certainly looking forward to the NCAA Championships.”
