She takes a deep breath followed by a fearless leap into the cool water of the Kennedy Shriver Aquatics Center. With powerful strides and commanding kicks she makes her way in front of the swimmers in the adjacent lanes. She finishes the race with confidence and poise.

Senior Alicia Tiberino officially committed to Saint Francis University, on Nov. 13, as a part of the Division I swim team. In addition to swimming, she was offered a spot in their physical therapy program.

“Knowing that I know where I’m going to school is a relief and pretty exciting,” Alicia said.

Tiberino’s parents, Ernest and Sandy Tiberino, could not be happier with the outcome of all of Alicia’s hard work.

“We are very proud of Alicia’s accomplishments,” Ernest and Sandy said. “Being recruited by St. Francis for swimming and physical therapy will allow our daughter to pursue her dreams in college.”

Alicia was named one of the captains of the CHS Women’s Swim and Dive team by Coach Brendan Roddy.

Alicia is a fantastic balance of a talented athlete and a wonderful leader,” Roddy said. “One of the things that stands out is her enthusiasm on deck. She is always someone who is quick to encourage her teammates when they do well and support them when they do not.”

According to Alicia, she has been swimming competitively since she was 10, and is excited to continue on the collegiate level.

“St. Francis is a special place with faculty and staff committed to students, and a student body with a lot of energy to engage and to do things,” Ernest and Sandy said.

Alicia’s family, friends and mentors only wish her the best on her future endeavors in college and after.

“In the future I wish her the best of luck in college and after,” Roddy said. “The one piece of advice I have for her is always be confident in yourself.”