CHICAGO – The Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) released its 2024-2025 Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete Team on Friday. Among the 119 that were selected, eight Flames were named among the recipients, with graduate student Liam Davis being named the Men's MVC Scholar Athlete of the Year.  
 
"There is no one more deserving of winning the MVC Men's Scholar Athlete of Year than Liam," head coach Ashley Dell said. "He has worked so incredibly hard the past five years and has consistently held one of the highest GPAs on the team while also scoring in the top eight in three individual events at the MVC's, all while working toward his master's degree! Liam defines what it means to be a student-athlete, and we have been so lucky to have him apart of the program."
 
Davis closed out his UIC chapter with a strong showing in postseason competition, first in the Men's MVC Conference Meet in Oxford, Ohio back in February. He collected top eight finishes in three separate individual events; the 200 butterfly (1:49.68 | 6^th Place), 1,650 freestyle (15:32.51 | 7^th Place) and the 400 individual medley (3:57.24 | 7^th Place). In his last meet of his collegiate career at the 2025 College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA) National Invitational Championship in Ocala, Fla. a few weeks ago. He finished in 13^th place in the 200 butterfly (1:47.34) and was a key contributor to numerous relay teams.
 
Davis was joined by seven of his teammates to be named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team. Maggie Delaney, Taira Juronis, Molly Kroeger, Matthew Lofstrom, Kerry-Leigh Morrison, Sophie Stefanac and Luke Wiesner were all recognized for their work in the classroom.
 
"I'm so proud of our eight student-athletes who have been named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team," Dell said.  "We take pride in prioritizing academics while also excelling in the pool. Our goal is to continue to grow this number. Keep it up Flames!"
 
To qualify for the MVC's Scholar Athlete Team, the athlete must be a sophomore academically and athletically while meeting one of the following criteria: a 3.5 cumulative GPA and all-conference, or a 3.7 cumulative GPA and top s24 finish in individual event at championships, or 3.9 cumulative GPA and participation in the MVC championship, including non-scorers.
 
For more information, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_SwimDive and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_swimdive and @uicflames).
 
 
#ChicagosCollegeTeam