Notre Dame’s swimming & diving team captain, Sarah Bender, has secured a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, marking a significant milestone for both her athletic and academic achievements.
Bender, renowned for her exceptional performance in the pool, will extend her talents beyond swimming to teach English in the Slovak Republic as a graduate student and recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship, commencing in September.
Established in 1946 by former U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, the Fulbright Program offers recipients the opportunity to pursue professional and academic endeavors abroad, encompassing teaching, research, and graduate studies. Bender is among the 16 students awarded English Teaching Assistantships for the Slovak Republic this year.
Prior to joining Notre Dame, Bender showcased her prowess as a swimmer with notable achievements, including 9x Junior Nationals Finalist and 4x Virginia Swimming State Champion in the 200 breaststroke. She holds state records in the 400 medley and 400 free relays and has earned the title of 2x USA Swimming Scholastic All-America.
During her tenure with the Fighting Irish, Bender achieved a commendable time of 2:12.80 in the 200 breaststroke at the 2023 Ohio State Invitational, securing the 5th position in Notre Dame’s program history. Her exceptional performance extended to the ACC Championships, where she clinched the 20th position in the same event.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Bender has been recognized for her academic excellence, receiving the Rockne Scholar-Athlete Award and earning a spot on the All-ACC Academic Team in 2024. She stands as the first student-athlete from Notre Dame to be honored with the Fulbright Scholarship.
Expressing her anticipation for the future, Bender shared, “I’m excited to learn new perspectives and integrate them into my understanding of the world.”
Allison Kopac, a senior captain alongside Bender, lauded her as one of the most ambitious and hardworking individuals she knows. Kopac emphasized Bender’s leadership by example and unwavering dedication to their team.
Peterson Family Head Coach Chris Lindauer commended Bender’s remarkable work ethic and commitment, stating, “Sarah’s dedication as a student-athlete at Notre Dame has provided her with the platform to make a meaningful impact and contribute positively to the world.”
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