Division III 40-in-40 Features Laura Barito
Jack Copeland, NCAA.org
During a yearlong celebration of its anniversary,
NCAA.org is publishing 40 weekly profiles of student-athletes who attended member institutions during the past 40 years. Titled “40-in-40,” the project seeks to bring to life the philosophy and ideals of Division III by featuring individuals who have exemplified the division’s attributes of proportion, comprehensive learning, passion, responsibility, sportsmanship and citizenship – not just during their time on campus, but also in their careers or avocations.
This week's profile features the three graduates of Division III institutions who have been honored as the NCAA Woman of the Year, including Stevens Institute of Technology alum Laura Barito '11.
Barito, the 2011 honoree, was a standout in both swimming and track at Stevens Institute of Technology, where she majored in mechanical engineering. She also won a Division III individual title in each of her sports while racking up 22 all-America citations.
Barito, an NCAA postgraduate scholarship recipient, recently completed graduate work in sports biomechanics at the University of Delaware, where she also served as an assistant coach for the Blue Hen swim team. She has remained an active competitor, first qualifying for U.S. Swimming competition while at Delaware and more recently participating in CrossFit, which promotes fitness as a sport and in which she has achieved Level 1 certification as a trainer.
FULL STORY ON NCAA.org