Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University women's triathlon team had a program-best seven Bulldogs honored as All-Americans by the Collegiate Triathlon Coaches Association (CTCA). The 2025 national runner-up, Wingate was led by newcomer Shelby Lajeunesse, who completed her storybook first season by earning Division II Freshman of the Year laurels.
 
Lajeunesse is one of three Wingate student-athletes on the All-American first team. She was joined by classmate Vanda Křížková and junior Pia Diemer. Sophomores Rebecca Nolan, Irmak Sereflioğlu and Paula Auschill were joined on the All-American second team by freshman Beate Bula.
 
The five-year-old Wingate program is no stranger to podium finishes, as the 'Dogs finished second, third, second and first in their previous national championship appearances. The 2024-25 academic year was a big one for Wingate triathlon, as the women won the '24 national championship in the fall and the men answered with the '25 national title in the spring.
 
Four Bulldogs named All-East Region
 
In October, Wingate's four Bulldogs received All-East Region honors:  Lajeunesse, Rebecca Nolan, Křížková and Sereflioğlu. The quartet led the Bulldogs to their fourth consecutive regional championship title. Lajeunesse was named the East Region Freshman of the Year.
 
Wingate University
 
Wingate University is a lab of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina and offers 60 degree pathways, including 37 undergraduate majors, 10 pre-professional tracks and five dual-degree programs. Graduate students choose from seven master's and five doctoral programs. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences.
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a leader in healthcare education where nearly one in five undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 30 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award the past 17 times it has been awarded. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.
 
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