Captain of the Notre Dame Swimming and Diving Team Sarah Bender She is taking her talents outside the pool and will be teaching English in the Slovak Republic starting in September as a graduate student and Fulbright Scholarship recipient.
The Fulbright Program was introduced in 1946 by former U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright and offers recipients the opportunity to pursue professional and academic activities abroad, including teaching, research and graduate studies. Bender is one of 16 students to receive an English Language Teaching Assistantship award in the Slovak Republic this year.
Prior to enrolling at Notre Dame, Bender qualified for the Junior Nationals Finals nine times, was a four-time Virginia State Swimming Championships winner in the 200 breaststroke (three LCMs, one SCY), was the state record holder in the 400 medley and 400 freestyle relay (LCMs) and was a two-time USA Swimming Champion.
As a Fighting Irish swimmer, Bender recorded the fifth-fastest time in Notre Dame program history in the 200-meter breaststroke with a time of 2:12.80 at the 2023 Ohio State Invitational. She finished the season with a 20th-place finish in the event at the ACC Championships.
She also received the Rockne Scholar-Athlete Award and was selected to the All-ACC Academic Team in 2024. She is the first student-athlete to receive a Fulbright scholarship from the school.
When asked what she was looking forward to, Bender replied, “I'm excited to learn new perspectives and incorporate them into my understanding of the world.”
Allison KopackKopack, who served as captain alongside Bender on the Fighting Irish team, described Bender as one of the most ambitious and hard-working people he knows. He said Bender leads by example and shows dedication to everything he is involved with, especially his team.
“Sarah's work ethic and dedication to her experience as a student-athlete at Notre Dame have given her the platform to succeed, make an impact and change the world for the better,” Head Coach Peterson Family said. Chris Lindauer Said.
