WINTHROP, Mass. – The Simmons University Swimming and Diving team turned in an outstanding postseason performance at this past weekend's Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championships. The Sharks garnered multiple top-three finishes across individual and relay events as well as Head Coach Michael Prout, Jr. being recognized by the league as the Coach of the Year. Additionally, junior Bee Eckels was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team for her character and leadership.

Standout senior, Carli Quinlan was talked about all weekend long for her dominant performances with when her name was on the list. Quinlan captured first-place in the 200 yard freestyle to kick off the weekend, after setting a conference record in the morning prelims. The senior also claimed the crown in the 100 yard butterfly, while earning second-place in the 100 yard freestyle. A major contributor to Sharks' relay success, Quinlan was part of three first-place relay teams in the 800 yard freestyle relay, 400 yard medley relay, and 200 yard medley relay, and added a second-place finish in the 400 yard freestyle relay.

Bee Eckels delivered a strong all-around performance, earning four individual medals. Eckels finished second in the 100 yard IM and 50 yard breaststroke, while placing third in the 100 yard breaststroke and 200 yard IM. She also played a vital role in Simmons' relay dominance, contributing to three relay gold medals (800 yard freestyle relay, 400 yard medley relay, and 200 yard medley relay) and a second-place finish in the 400 yard freestyle relay.

Laura Luthi excelled in both backstroke and distance freestyle events. Luthi earned second-place finishes in the 200 yard backstroke and 1650 yard freestyle, while also placing third in the 50 and 100 yard backstroke. She was integral in all three first-place relay teams, helping anchor Simmons' relay success (800 yard freestyle relay, 400 yard medley relay, and 200 yard medley relay).

Sophomore, Julia Long added to the Sharks' medal count with a third-place finish in the 200 yard breaststroke and contributed to first-place finishes in the 400 yard medley relay and 200 yard medley relay.

Simmons' relay depth was further highlighted by first year, Ainsley Horan, who earned first-place in the 800 yard freestyle relay and second-place in the 400 yard freestyle relay, and Charlotte Doherty, who contributed to the second-place finish in the 400 yard freestyle relay.

Meanwhile, Simmons Head Coach Prout was voted the Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year as voted on by the conference head coaches.