From Washington University Athletics

Washington University in St. Louis senior swimmer Michael Lagieski (Menasha, Wis./Menasha) was awarded the 2017 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, an honor which is bestowed on student-athletes that excel both academically and athletically while also serving as leaders in the community.

Lagieski will receive a scholarship of $7,500 to be used for postgraduate study within three years. He will remain on the Danforth Campus while pursuing a master's degree in aerospace engineering at WashU.

"I was lucky enough to know what I wanted to do with my life before entering college," stated Lagieski. "I wanted to be an NCAA National Champion and an aerospace engineer. I never knew that both of these goals would become so entwined, let alone become a reality."

The mechanical engineering major concluded his undergraduate curriculum with a 3.74 grade point average while earning First Team Academic All-America honors by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). During his 2016-17 campaign he swam to six All-American finishes, including three individually. Lagieski set multiple personal best times at the 2017 NCAA Division III National Championship with a time of 1:58.51 in the 200 breaststroke (third) and 1:48.28 in the 200 individual medley (sixth).

"None of this would be possible without the support of my fantastic coaches, professors, teammates, family and friends," added Lagieski. "They were the crazy ones who believed I could do it."

Lagieski swam to 15 All-American honors in his career, including the 2014 NCAA Division III 100 breaststroke National Championship winning time, 54.10, which set a then school record and national championship meet record. Also during the 2014 season, Lagieski was named the University Athletic Association (UAA) Swimmer of the Year and Rookie of the Year. 

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences WashU has given me over the last four years," said the two-time College Swim Coaches of America Association (CSCAA) First Team Scholar All-America honoree, "and I am proud to continue to represent the Bears with the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship."