Crista Lawrence (1992) - CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame

Crista Lawrence

Induction:
1992

Crista Lawrence was inducted into the CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992. Lawrence was an elite, record-breaking NCAA Division II All-American swimmer in 1984 and 1985 for coach Pete Accardy. Lawrence_Crista_Headshot

During her two-year collegiate career, Lawrence helped lead the Matador Women's Swimming and Diving team to two consecutive NCAA Division II runner-up trophies. She earned All-American honors in a total of five events in 1985, including the 100 butterfly and the 200, 400, and 800 freestyle relays. At the 1984 NCAA Championship meet in Hempstead, New York, she earned All-American recognition in the 100 and 200 butterfly, 200 individual medley, 200 and 400 medley relay, and the 400 free relay.

As a sophomore, Lawrence won the 200-yard butterfly at the 1985 NCAA Championships in Orlando, Fla. She swam an NCAA Championship meet record time of 2:06.03 at the Justus Aquatic Center pool. Her championship time set the national record in the event. 200 butterfly and school records in the 100 and 200 yard butterfly. She earned 11 All-American honors, showcasing elite skill in the 200 Free, 200 Fly, and 200 Individual Medley (IM).

In August 1985, just ahead of her junior year, Lawrence's life changed drastically when she was involved in a severe surfing accident. Known for her fierce "fighting spirit," Lawrence defied medical odds. Through grueling physical therapy and immense determination, she remarkably returned to the CSUN campus to resume classes by March 1986, serving as a massive source of inspiration for her Matador teammates.