Aberdeen, S.D. – Aberdeen native and Northern State alumni Hannah Kastigar will represent the Wolves this week at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha. Kastigar will compete in the 400 Individual Medley schedule for Saturday, June 5^th.
 
"Attending Northern brought me back to a training style that had always worked for me and ultimately helped me to continue swimming in preparation for another go at the Olympic Trials," explained Kastigar. "Northern brought me back to a place where I was surrounded by my family and the love that I needed through my darkest moments; NSU really helped get me back into a solid place mentally and emotionally as I struggled and worked through a dark depression."
 
The Wave 1 finals section will air at 8 p.m. (ET) online and on the Olympic Channel. This is Kastigar's third appearance at the Olympic Trials and the first Northern State swimmer or alumni to compete at the U.S. event.
 
Kastigar added, "Being back in Aberdeen after a few years away allowed me to be surrounded by the people who watched me grow up in the pool (and in my running shoes). It was those people who took a large step and continued to support me financially after college in my pursuit of the Olympic dream. I truly would not have been able to do any of this without the help of Lloyd Hodgin and Eldon Swingler, my sponsors, my family, God, my teammates, and the support of the Aberdeen community. And I for sure would not have made it through my depression without the eye opening support and understanding of Coach Monanian."
 
Kastigar is a 2019 graduate of Northern State University. She won seven NSIC Championships and three NCAA National Championships, and was an 8-time All-American in her career with the Wolves. In addition, Kastigar was named the NSIC Swimmer of the Year in 2017 and 2019, as well as the Northern State Hildred Wolfe recipient in 2019.