northeast during the '40s through the '70s. Without a national organization for college  

sports for women, there were no national championship opportunities, no athletic 

scholarships and no Divisions. Schools competed against each other regardless of size or 

philosophy. Regional Invitationals became the season - ending championships. TCNJ (then 

known as Trenton State College) was always among the top teams, including schools such 

as Rutgers, Penn State, the U. of Delaware and most of the Ivy League schools. In the 

late 70's, the first collegiate organization for women's sports (AIAW) held its first nationals 

at the Univ. of Idaho. The Lions' first national qualifier was Joanne Keephart, who had 

earlier in the year set a pool record at Florida State. The Lions swam the Seminoles during 

the semester break training trip . Since that time, the Lions have had one or more

individuals qualify for the Nationals every year except two. When the NCAA began to 

include women, The College opted to become a part of Div. III, the same as the men. Since 

then TCNJ, has won more national titles than any other school including Stanford which 

leads Div I institutions. Each year the school is in the running for the prestigious Sears 

Directors Cup for the top all around athletic programs in its division. During the last three 

decades, TCNJ has consistently been one of the top schools in the northeast, in swimming 

as well as achieving many national honors. The Lions have had a Top 20 finish at the NCAA 

Nationals four times in the '90s, many All-Americans & NCAA medal winners, including one 

NCAA Champion. During this time The College has never finished below second in the NJAC

and METRO conferences. In addition 4 swimmers have received the Varsity Lion award for 

being the most outstanding senior all-around student- athlete. The swimmers also lead the 

other teams in winners of the Scholar-Athlete Award given to the graduating athlete with 

the highest cumulative average.