SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Maija Kangas of Augustana University was named the 2023-24 NSIC Elite 18 Award winner for women's swimming & diving.  Kangas was presented the award during the NSIC Women's Swimming & Diving Championship senior recognition ceremony prior to Friday evening's competition.

As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration during the 2016-17 academic year, the NSIC Elite 18 Award was instituted to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the NSIC Championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The NSIC Elite 18 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC's 18 Championships.

The NSIC Swimming & Diving Championships are taking place Wed.-Sat. Feb. 14-17 at the Midco Aquatic Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; hosted by the University of Sioux Falls.

Kangas, a native of Excelsior, Minnesota, is an accounting and Spanish major, while holding a 4.0 grade point average. During her freshman campaign she was a part of the NSIC 800 Freestyle Relay Championship team and was named All-NSIC in the 400 IM. She swam a personal best and set the school record in the 200 free at the 2023 NSIC championships with a time of 1:52.19 and swam a personal best in the 400 IM at the NSIC championships with a time of 4:28.96. She was also a member of the team that set the school record in the 800 free relay at the NSIC championships with a time of 7:35.28

At this year's championship, Kangas was part of the winning 800 free relay squad. The team consisting of Anna Tindall, Sophia Hein, Amaya Street and Kangas teamed up to finish in 7:37.21. In addition, she was the B Final champion in the 400 IM in a time of 4:34.23 to place ninth overall. 

The Vikings are competing for their second-straight NSIC Championship.