SAN FRANCISCO - Senior Leon MacAlister has been named the Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year for men's swimming and diving, the conference announced Friday. It marks another accolade for one the most decorated backstroke swimmers in Stanford's history, and the Cardinal's fourth selection in the last eight years.
MacAlister boasts one of the most impressive athletic and academic resumes in the Pac-12. He's been named a five-time All-American, all coming during the 2022 season in the 100 back (11th), 200 back (fifth), 400 medley relay (sixth), 200 medley relay (eighth), 400 free relay (eighth).
The Sydney, Australia native is also a two-time Pac-12 Champion: 200 medley relay (2022), 400 medley relay (2022), and has been named the Pac-12 Swimmer of the Week once in his career (Jan. 26, 2022).
MacAlister solidified himself as one of the best backstroke swimmers in Stanford history last year, earning both of the individual backstroke records (100 back - 44.75, 200 back -1:38.95). He also was a member of three record setting relays a year ago, etching his name in the Stanford record books for the 400 free relay (2:47.17), the 200 medley relay (1:22.41), and the 400 medley relay (3:01.45).
In the classroom, MacAlister has distinguished himself as one of the best student-athletes in the conference. He's been named to the Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll twice, while also earning College Sports Communicators Academic All-District and Academic All-America Third Team honors during the 2022 season.
In 2022, he was also named a CSCAA Scholar All-American, and has helped Stanford be named a CSCAA Scholar All-America Team each of his four years on The Farm.
The senior will look to add to his resume throughout the remainder of the Pac-12 Championships this weekend and at the NCAA Championships later this month. MacAlister will also return to Stanford for a fifth year next fall and will compete for the Cardinal for one more season.
The Pac-12 Conference release can be found here.