On Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, North Penn seniors Olivia DiStefano and Madison Tanis were recognized at a special news conference for signing letters of intent to compete in swimming/diving at La Salle University. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Olivia DiStefano – La Salle University (Swimming)
Major: Marine Biology
Final list of colleges: La Salle, Rutgers, Stevens Institute of Technology
Reasons for choosing La Salle: “I chose La Salle University because it was close to home, and the education would be best for me. The team also made me feel like I was one of them when I first got there, so that was a big part of it.”
What was the progression that led you to swim at the collegiate level? “I definitely started hearing a lot 
about college my sophomore year, and (the recruiting process) really started my junior year with Miss Rob (Selma Robinson), who’s now helping with the swim team at La Salle, so that was a big contributing factor.”
Coach Matt Weiser says: “Olivia has come a long way from where she was four years ago to now. She’s just a total team leader. She’s the kind of kid that has almost that killer instinct when she gets up on the block to race. She just wants to win and do everything for the team. It’s not necessarily about her and her achievements, but it’s all about the team and how is the team going to succeed – what can I do in my role to help the team. It will be a good fit for her down at La Salle. She’ll do great from the start.”
About Olivia:
Favorite food: Pasta & Seafood
Favorite movie: It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Favorite music: Rock
Madison Tanis – University of Findlay (Diving)
Major: Pre-vet/Biology
Final list of colleges: Findlay, American
Reasons for choosing Findlay: “I chose the University of Findlay because it has a really good program for my major, and I can double major in bio with a couple of extra classes. I love the team, and everyone there is so great.”
What was the progression that led you to diving at the collegiate level? “I started (the recruiting 
process) pretty much the end of sophomore year, so it’s been just really, really long, and it’s good to be done.”
Coach Matt Weiser says: “Madison is just a really strong diver and a great teammate. We have a great group of freshmen and young divers this year, and she’s been nothing but awesome with them, just being a leader.
“She’s very talented. Last year she really stepped up for us big. I don’t know if she achieved all the goals that she wanted to as a sophomore, and then last year, she made it all the way to the state meet and (finishing sixth) and scoring points at that meet was just fantastic. It really speaks her performance.”
About Madison:
Favorite food: French Fries
Favorite movie: Pitch Perfect
Favorite music: Rock
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