FORT PIERCE, FL - Jamestown Community College has a rich history of student-athletes coming to JCC from around the globe, and this year's men's and women's swimming and diving teams are no exception. The Jayhawks feature three international students, including Maxim Johnson and Stacey Blackler from South Africa and Hayley Dawson from New Zealand. "It's a great experience, especially for an international student who are from across the world. This kind of reminds me of being back home (Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa) and getting to swim outdoors," said Blackler.

For some students, one of the draws of coming to a program like JCC is the opportunity to see the United States of America. "It's a different experience that is for sure. It is a big reason that I came to the States, to do a little bit of traveling and experience the rest of the world. I am very grateful for Jamestown and the NJCAA to create this opportunity for so many international athletes to experience a different scene and a different setting, which is a good experience," added Johnson.

For others, America becomes home. Dawson, who has family in Colorado that she visited for Christmas break, hasn't been back to her native Papamoa, New Zealand in over two years. "It's pretty crazy, pretty unreal. I think about it every day. I am just grateful I am here," mentioned Dawson. The trio is part of the thirteen Jayhawks who will compete in this week's national championships at Indian River State College.

If you would like to follow your Jayhawks live from Indian River State College, the link can be found here: NJCAA stream. 

As always, we will have updates on our social media platforms throughout the competition.