Jackie Hynson looking to cap off stellar swimming career at PSAC Championships

    Senior Jackie Hynson, one of the best swimmers in IUP, will participate in one of her last meets as a member of the IUP swim team this weekend at the PSAC Championships in Mechanicsburg.

    With all the records she has broken, awards and accolades have become something expected by her coaches and teammates, but the same can't be said for her.

    "Being PSAC Swimmer of the Year last year was an extremely unexpected honor," Hynson said. "I never thought I would be considered for something like that, and with all of the talented women in PSAC swimming, I am so honored that they thought I deserved the award. Each All-American accolade has been one more than I expected, and each PSAC victory was the same."  

    Hynson has broken seven school records and has twice been named an All-American. Last season, she broke PSAC records in the 200-yard butterfly and the 200-yard backstroke at the NCAA meet, which she considers her greatest accomplishment.

    During her time at IUP, she has not only learned valuable lessons the have helped her in competition, but lessons that will help her in the future.

    "Competing with the IUP swim team has taught me valuable lessons such as time management skills, self-motivation and teamwork, which are all things that will be extremely beneficial to me in my future as speech-language pathologist," she said.

    After having injured her back in January during the team's Florida training trip, Hynson will be back in the pool this weekend hoping to help lead the Crimson Hawks to victory.

    While this is one of her last meets, she hopes to stay at IUP to earn a master's degree in speech pathology. Hynson has left an indellible mark at IUP as her teammates and coaches have left their mark on her.

    "Coming to IUP was the best decision I ever made," she said. "The team is my family away from my family. I have watched this team grow so much over the last three years. Coach Villa has built us into a force to be reckoned with in this conference. I know that I am graduating out of an amazing program, and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to contribute to its success in any way."