Greta Gidley cements legacy with Hope's first swimming NCAA title in 25 years

After finishing national runner up twice in the 200-yard individual medley, Hope College fifth-year Greta Gidley knew she only had one more shot. One shot to reach her goal of going sub-2 minutes, and winning the national championship, Hope's first swimming title in a quarter century. Gidley used a strong middle portion of her race to win the NCAA Division III championship in the 200 IM in 1:59.

20 on Wednesday, March 18, in Indianapolis. "Honestly, winning that race has been a goal of mine for the past four years and to be able to go out in my last one ever, go a best time, and win was the greatest feeling ever," Gidley said. "Most importantly I think, I did it my way.

" More: Hope title hunters Wasiniak, Gidley, Baldwin lead swim team to NCAAs Gidley began her collegiate career at the University of Michigan before transferring to Hope to start fresh. "Four years ago, I had quit swimming and was looking for somewhere to transfer to in hopes of finding a new place to call home. I was anxious and scared, but God redeemed my story and ended up giving me a life better than anything I could've ever imagined," Gidley said.

"Hope is the greatest place on earth, and I could go on for days about how much this place has changed my life. Truly I'm just so grateful to Hope swim and dive and the entire Hope community for supporting and loving me these past four years. " Gidley was fourth after the butterfly and backstroke (57.