Triathletes excel in Olympic distance at Mid-Atlantic championships at Lake Anna

Saturday, October 4

Bumpass, VA

TBD

Liberty University Club Sports

Pleasant Landing Triathlon

Triathletes excel in Olympic distance at Mid-Atlantic championships at Lake Anna

10/10/2025 11:14:00 PM | Triathlon

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The Lady Flames finished first paced by junior Kendall Leininger’s fourth-place performance, and Liberty landed in second in the combined men’s and women’s team scores.

Liberty University's triathlon team won the women's collegiate division and placed second overall in Saturday's collegiate Olympic race at the Pleasants Landing Triathlon at Laka Anna in Bumpass, Va., which served as the Mid-Atlantic Conference Championship.

"Our conference championship weekend was truly one to remember," Liberty Head Coach Heather Gollnick said. "Every athlete rose to the occasion, delivering outstanding performances and earning numerous personal records across the board. The weather was perfect, the energy was high, and we were especially grateful for the incredible parent support — it felt like a family weekend from start to finish. It was a proud moment for our program and a celebration of all the hard work this team has put in."

Paced by junior Kendall Leininger, who finished fourth among women in 2 hours, 18 minutes, 59.6 seconds, the Lady Flames captured first place in the collegiate women's team standings, landing in front of Queens (N.C.) University of Charlotte, the Naval Academy (Md.), and Virginia Tech. The triathlon-opening 1.5-kilometer swim in Lake Anna was followed by a 24-mile cycling stage and 10K run.

Liberty sophomore Elise Collette finished seventh in 2:26:19.3 followed by freshman Vera Swem (eighth in 2:26:36.2), sophomore Naomi Dieken (11th in 2:33.52.5), and junior Natalie Kingston (12th in 2:34:47.7). Complete results are available online.

"Everyone put in the effort, and it showed this weekend at conference," Leininger said. "It has been amazing to watch this team grow as a community over the course of the semester, and that just makes this weekend's results that much sweeter. I'm so proud of everyone for the time and dedication they have put into this team and of the women's team for pulling out the conference championship."

"New athletes' fast finishes helped the women clinch the top spot at conference," added Gollnick, who was encouraged by the support of Liberty Triathlon fans who attended the race. "It is always a blessing to have so many parents come and support Liberty Triathlon, and this weekend I had the blessing of my own parents coming to watch this incredible team."

Liberty's men's squad finished fourth behind first-place Wingate, Lenoir-Rhyne, and Queens and ahead of Virginia Tech. In the combined standings, the Flames and Lady Flames combined to post a runner-up showing to Queens.

Junior Alex Schimmel and senior Brandon Schimmel placed 17th and 19th, respectively, in 1:57:00 and 1:58:12 to lead the Flames. They were followed closely by junior teammates Elijah Barker (22nd in 2:00:49) and Gabe Shreve (24th in 2:02:17) and sophomore Evan Bittner (27th in 2:05:15).

Shreve said freshman Jack Donahue, who was still returning to form after missing a couple weeks of practice due to sickness, helped to fuel the Flames with his vocal support.

"He is just coming back to training, but he left his heart on the racecourse," Shreve said. "He went out to the run course and was cheering us all on, helping us to go faster."

Shreve said Liberty's team members had an opportunity to engage triathletes from other programs spiritually, and to encourage them in their faith, during a worship service in the lobby of the hotel where the Flames and Lady Flames and a few other teams were staying.

"At our team Bible study before the race, we were talking about ways we could evangelize to other teams," he said. "Our team usually prays before the race, and we invite other teams to join us. The night before, we always do a worship night, and a bunch of people from Queens University of Charlotte walked in on it (and) multiple came down to join us in worship. It was really impactful."

That led to additional witnessing encounters with opposing competitors after the race.

"We as a team are very close. It's like a family," Shreve said. "We talked about how we could share our joy with other teams and the friendships we build in our sport can go a long way and open doors (for evangelism). As triathletes, we go through a lot in a race, and competing in the sport breaks down a lot of social inhibitions. You generate respect for each other, and that friendship gives you a connection. So when they do talk about your reason for working hard, and we share that it is for God's glory alone, they are more likely to listen since they've seen you work that out first-hand."

Liberty will next compete against mostly the same programs and individuals at the USPC Draft-Legal Triathlon set for Oct. 25 at Lake Norman State Park in Troutman, N.C. That event will serve as the Mid-Atlantic Conference Draft-Legal Championships.

"The conference was there last year, and we had a great experience, all in all," Shreve said. "It's good to do a shorter draft-legal race in the fall, and good practice for finding another gear. The other teams will bring a lot of talent and work ethic to the race. We will give all the glory to God and leave the results up to Him."

By Ted Allen/Staff Writer