College of Saint Mary Flames swimmers receive KCAC Team of Character award

OMAHA, Neb. – The College of Saint Mary (CSM) swim team has been named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference's Team of Character for its sport in the 2025-26 season.

The prestigious honor is voted on by the league's coaches and the team was recognized last weekend at the KCAC Swimming & Diving Championships in Hobart, Ind.

CSM Coach Liz Germonprez has a team that is highly deserving of such an honor. The swim team is a model of responsibility and integrity on campus. It also owned the highest fall semester GPA within the athletic department, an outstanding 3.75.

"I'm so proud of the culture our team has developed over the last two seasons,'' Germonprez said. "It's such an honor for them to be recognized by the KCAC for their commitment to service.''

The team volunteered in three different service projects last April as part of CSM's Spirit of Service Day. The team volunteered at the animal rescue Scatter Joy Acres, Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy and Habitat for Humanity ReStore, providing 40 hours of service. This fall, team members volunteered for an elementary school outreach program, providing hands-on activities in math and science topics to students in the Omaha area.

Servant leadership, putting the team first and leading by positive example, is a value CSM swim lives during competition as well. They put their team first and actively show their support through cheering. They have chosen to not be on their phones or sitting with their families during the times when they're not competing.

"The ripple effect of this example of serving each other this way is incredible,'' Germonprez said. "Every swimmer knows that their teammates are there with them, every race.''

The CSM coach said her team takes great pride in winning the character award.

"The degree of responsibility to academics, combined with the integrity it takes to be a member of Flames swimming, their commitment and discipline to our team, is something special to behold!'' Germonprez said.