AUSTIN, Texas --- Christine Tixier set another landmark during her highly-decorated career as a student-athlete at Biola when she was selected the Capital One/CoSIDA Female Academic All-American of the Year for the College Division in the at-large category.

“Christine represents the highest levels of athletic and academic achievement. With the time required to be such a great swimmer and the hours involved in earning a 3.84 grade point average in human biology, what she has accomplished is truly remarkable,” said Athletic Director Dr. Dave Holmquist.

Tixier earned this prestigious honor by ending her four-year career with a cumulative grade point average of 3.84 as a human biology major. She earned her third-career Academic All-American honor, which is the most times a student-athlete can earn the honor.

Joining Tixier with 2015 Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American honors is her teammate, Angela Kirschner. It is Kirschner’s first-career honor. The junior entered the spring semester with a cumulative grade point average of 3.93 as a liberal studies major.

“I am amazed at not only how good of an athlete Christine is, but also how good of a student she is. It’s incredible how she’s been able to excel in both arenas over the course of her four years at this school,” said Head Coach Eddie Shepard. “I’m also proud of how much success Angela has had, and I look forward to seeing how she finishes out her time at Biola.”

Tixier’s selection as the Academic All-American of the Year marks her first appearance on the first team squad following two appearances on the second team. Kirschner was selected to the second team.

The academic honor caps another perfect season for Tixier, who won three NAIA Championships and set three NAIA records earlier this spring and was named the NAIA’s Female Swimmer of the Year.

Kirschner earned three NAIA All-American honors at the 2015 NAIA Swimming & Diving Championships while joining Tixier on various relays. The two swimmers are featured in the Biola school record book a combined 16 times as they combine top-flight athletic success with their academic ability.

The Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-Americans are voted on by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America association. Honorees must be a sophomore, junior or senior, have a cumulative grade point average above 3.30 and be a key contributor to their team’s success.