Rowan Swimmers Poised for NJAC Championships and NCAA Qualification
Rowan University’s swim program is entering a critical week, aiming to build on a season of progress and secure bids to the NCAA Championships. The team travels to the Hampton Aquaplex in Hampton, Virginia, with a clear objective: surpass last year’s third-place finish at the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championships and propel its athletes toward national contention.
A Season of Focused Development
Since late September, the Rowan swim program has maintained a singular focus: preparing its athletes for postseason success. This dedication, spearheaded by Coach Gerardo Gonzalez Ruiz, has fostered a palpable sense of momentum as the NJAC Championships approach. According to one swimmer, the team is “definitely seeing a lot of progress in the right direction,” with the detailed coaching approach proving particularly effective.
Pennington Leads the Charge
Leading the charge for the Profs is Ella Pennington, a dominant force in the NJAC for the past three years. Pennington, recognized as the NJAC Rookie of the Year in the 2022-23 season and the NJAC Women’s Swimmer of the Year in 2024-25, currently holds the top time in NCAA Division III for the 100 backstroke, clocking in at 54.51. She also ranks fourth nationally in the 200 backstroke, trailing the leader by less than a second. Pennington’s consistent performance and dedication are indicative of the team’s overall upward trajectory.
Crouthamel Emerging as a Dual Threat
Complementing Pennington’s strength is junior Kaitlyn Crouthamel, who has formed a formidable 1-2 punch for Rowan this season. Crouthamel, currently ranked 12th in the NJAC, recently secured a first-place finish in the 500 Free at Kean, and followed it up with a second-place finish in the 1000 Free. Crouthamel is strategically weighing her focus between the 400 Individual Medley – her favorite event – and the 1000 Free, both potential pathways to an NCAA bid.
NCAA Championships Within Reach
Coach Gonzalez Ruiz believes Crouthamel is well-positioned to contend for a spot at the NCAA Championships, scheduled for March at Indiana University’s natatorium in Indianapolis. He emphasizes the importance of the NJAC Championships as a crucial stepping stone, highlighting the dedicated work with distance coach Erin Quay. “That’s what we’re shooting for,” Gonzalez Ruiz stated, acknowledging the rigorous training schedule designed to maximize Crouthamel’s potential.
The Rowan swim program’s dedication to detail, strategic training, and the emergence of key athletes like Pennington and Crouthamel suggest a promising outlook for both the NJAC Championships and the pursuit of national recognition.
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