After tackling numerous adversities during their careers, the three women representing the LSU swimming team this weekend will have a chance to validate their hard work.
Juniors Stephanie Smith, Laura Jo Leininger and senior Cissy Schepens are representing LSU at the 2003 NCAA National Championships in Auburn, Ala.
Smith missed two years of competition due to a severe neck injury she acquired in high school after another swimmer jumped on her head while she was in the water. Smith now owns the LSU record in the 1,650-yard freestyle.
She will be competing in the 1,650 and 500-yard freestyle at nationals.
Leininger just missed qualifying for the NCAAs last year. She said they took 30 people, and she was 31st.
“I’m very excited,” Leininger said regarding her qualification this year. “It’s all paying off. It’s so important to remember the journey to get here.”
Leininger will compete in the 100-yard butterfly in her first appearance at the NCAA Nationals.
Schepens began her college career at LSU in 1999, then transferred to the University of Georgia her junior season to be close to her family. She then decided to return to LSU for her senior year.
Schepens ranks No. 16 in the country in the 200-yard breaststroke, which she will race at the NCAAs.