By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University triathlete Riga Grubis (Fy., Fairbanks, AK/West Valley HS) has been selected for two of the top awards at the college level. Grubis was named 2023 Division III First Team All-America and was chosen as the Division III National Freshman of the Year. Also for Willamette, Ella Isaacson (Jr., Saint Paul, MN/Central HS) received Honorable Mention All-America status for the second time in her career, after previously receiving the award in 2021.

The list of All-America selections from NCAA Division III included a total of 21 athletes. Seven competitors were named to the First Team, with seven athletes on the Second Team, and seven athletes receiving Honorable Mention.

Grubis completed the 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, and 5-kilometer run in a tie for seventh place at the 2023 Women's Collegiate Triathlon Championships with an overall time of 1:18:15 on Nov. 11 in Tempe, Arizona. She was one of five Bearcats who earned Top 30 finishes. Isaacson was 20th in 1:21:07.

Joining Grubis as First Team All-America selections were individual national champion Hailey Poe of North Central College (Ill.) along with NCC teammates Charlotte Kumler, Bethany Smeed, and Scarlett Schuth. Additional First Team All-America triathletes in Division III were Grace Huisman from Trine University (Ind.) and Jenna Weaver from Eastern Mennonite University (Va.).

"For Riga to earn First Team All-America and Freshman of the Year for Division III without ever doing a triathlon before arriving on campus speaks of her willingness to take on new challenges and excel," Willamette Head Women's Triathlon Coach Brett Franz said. "It wasn't always smooth in the process of learning swimming and biking, but she always had a smile on her face and got better each week. Riga's positive energy was infectious and really helped the team excel through a long season. I am looking forward to seeing how much Riga can improve in the years to come."

"Ella earning her second All-America honor in three years was great to see after she had some misfortune leading into last year's championships," Franz commented. "Ella has been such a consistent performer, and I know she will always give us a strong race. Ella did a great job at nationals, getting out of the water in a good position to have a strong ride on the bike. It was fun to see Ella's growth throughout the season, especially in her aggressiveness and confidence on the bike. I know Ella still has more for next year and I can't wait to see another strong season from one of the original Bearcats."

Led by Grubis, the Willamette women's triathlon team placed fifth out of 11 NCAA Division III teams at the Collegiate Championships. Franz was voted Division III National Coach of the Year. Earlier this season, Grubis was chosen All-West Region and was named the West All-Region Freshman for 2023.