Wheaton College Athletics

A six-time All-American in individual events, Emily Mason was a three-time All-American in 2003. As a senior, she placed third at the Division III Championships in the 200-yard individual medley (2:06.95), fourth in the 200-yard backstroke (2:04.29) and sixth in the 100-yard backstroke (58.49). The CCIW Most Valuable Swimmer in 2003, Mason was a six-time CCIW Champion in individual events and was a three-time CoSIDA Academic All-American.
 
Emily notes of her collegiate swimming career, "Swimming at Wheaton taught me much about perseverance and hard work in the midst of challenges. Coach Lederhouse always reminded us that the lessons we learned in the pool could carry over to our lives, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity I had to learn these lessons through swimming." She recalls of a challenge, "My favorite memory actually comes from a failure. My junior year I had my best season, and going into the NCAA Championships, I was predicted to win my best event. Instead, I got very sick the night before my event. The day of the event I was weak, but Coach Lederhouse asked me to swim. I did and came in last. You may ask 'Why is this my favorite memory'? In spite of failure, I was able to continue talking to other athletes from other colleges, and at the end of that NCAA Meet I was able to share the joy of Jesus with one fellow competitor in particular." She continues, "Of course I was disappointed, but God has used this memory over and over again in my life to remind me to surrender all my dreams to Him and to trust more in His plans for my life. It is in His plans that I find true joy and contentment."