University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Bears Place Four on CSC Academic All-District Team
4/7/2026 12:26:00 PM | Women's Swimming & Diving
GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado swim and dive program placed four student-athletes on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, recognizing their combined excellence in the classroom and in competition. Violet Noel, Maria Erokhina, Ellyson Lombardi and Kyra Rabess each earned the honor for their outstanding performances during the 2025-26 season.
To be eligible for CSC Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and compete in a significant portion of their team's competitions.
Maria Erokhina continues to build one of the most decorated careers in program history, becoming the first female swimmer at Northern Colorado to qualify for the NCAA Division I Championships. A multi-time MPSF Champion, Erokhina captured conference titles in the 100 and 200 breaststroke while also contributing to championship-winning relay teams. She set program records in both breaststroke events and earned multiple MPSF Athlete of the Week honors, adding to her recognition as one of the top performers in the conference.
Ellyson Lombardi delivered a standout season in the butterfly events, highlighted by an MPSF Conference Championship in the 200 fly. She also earned silver at the CSCAA National Invitational Championships in the same event, cementing her place among the nation's top mid-major swimmers. Lombardi is a multiple-time school record holder and played a key role in several of Northern Colorado's record-breaking relay performances throughout the season.
Kyra Rabess continued her consistent impact in the freestyle events, contributing to both individual and relay success for the Bears. A key piece of Northern Colorado's relay units, Rabess helped the team to multiple podium finishes at the conference level while adding to the program's depth in sprint and middle-distance freestyle events. Her experience on the international stage, including representing the Cayman Islands, continues to elevate her presence in the pool.
Violet Noel earned Academic All-District recognition for the first time in her career, combining strong performances in the pool with excellence in the classroom. Noel contributed across multiple events for the Bears during the season, providing depth and versatility while maintaining a high academic standard.
Northern Colorado wrapped up a historic 2025-26 campaign that included multiple school records, NCAA Championship qualifications and one of the strongest overall team performances in program history, highlighted by a third-place finish at the MPSF Championships.
For more information on the CSC Academic All-District Team and to view the full list of honorees, visit CollegeSportsCommunicators.com.
SWOMEN CLUB: The Swomen Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Swimming & Diving, providing elite training gear, enhanced nutrition and championship-level travel opportunities. These investments directly support our student-athletes and ensure the Bears are equipped to perform at the highest level.
Give to the Swomen Club today!
FOLLOW THE BEARS: For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the women's swim and dive team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSwim), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSwim_Dive), and Facebook (/UNCOBearsswimdive).
To be eligible for CSC Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and compete in a significant portion of their team's competitions.
Maria Erokhina continues to build one of the most decorated careers in program history, becoming the first female swimmer at Northern Colorado to qualify for the NCAA Division I Championships. A multi-time MPSF Champion, Erokhina captured conference titles in the 100 and 200 breaststroke while also contributing to championship-winning relay teams. She set program records in both breaststroke events and earned multiple MPSF Athlete of the Week honors, adding to her recognition as one of the top performers in the conference.
Ellyson Lombardi delivered a standout season in the butterfly events, highlighted by an MPSF Conference Championship in the 200 fly. She also earned silver at the CSCAA National Invitational Championships in the same event, cementing her place among the nation's top mid-major swimmers. Lombardi is a multiple-time school record holder and played a key role in several of Northern Colorado's record-breaking relay performances throughout the season.
Kyra Rabess continued her consistent impact in the freestyle events, contributing to both individual and relay success for the Bears. A key piece of Northern Colorado's relay units, Rabess helped the team to multiple podium finishes at the conference level while adding to the program's depth in sprint and middle-distance freestyle events. Her experience on the international stage, including representing the Cayman Islands, continues to elevate her presence in the pool.
Violet Noel earned Academic All-District recognition for the first time in her career, combining strong performances in the pool with excellence in the classroom. Noel contributed across multiple events for the Bears during the season, providing depth and versatility while maintaining a high academic standard.
Northern Colorado wrapped up a historic 2025-26 campaign that included multiple school records, NCAA Championship qualifications and one of the strongest overall team performances in program history, highlighted by a third-place finish at the MPSF Championships.
For more information on the CSC Academic All-District Team and to view the full list of honorees, visit CollegeSportsCommunicators.com.
SWOMEN CLUB: The Swomen Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Swimming & Diving, providing elite training gear, enhanced nutrition and championship-level travel opportunities. These investments directly support our student-athletes and ensure the Bears are equipped to perform at the highest level.
Give to the Swomen Club today!
FOLLOW THE BEARS: For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the women's swim and dive team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSwim), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSwim_Dive), and Facebook (/UNCOBearsswimdive).
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
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