NORTON, MA- Four Wheaton College synchronized swimming student-athletes are serving on the United States Synchronized Swimming's (USSS) Athletes Committee for the upcoming school year, while their coach is also holding an administrative position within the national organization. Each was voted by their peers into a role.

Junior Laura Montes (San Juan, PR/Academia San Jose) is the vice president of education and certification on the Athletes Executive Council (AEC), while freshman Amanda Chils (Lakeland, FL/George Jenkins) will be one of two collegiate representatives from around the nation. Junior Jenna Swinkin (Hamden, CT/Hamden) and freshman Christiana Butera (San Diego, CA/Academy of Our Lady of Peace) are holding roles as the lone two East Zone representatives, and second-year head coach Rebecca Story is the collegiate chair.

After serving numerous prior roles, Montes enters her first year on the AEC, which is comprised of seven officers and has the authority to act on behalf of the Athletes Committee between meetings. Each AEC member serves a two-year term and is a former member of a standing committee within their area of responsibility.

Chils was recently selected to serve her first year of a two-year term as a collegiate representative. Two student-athletes hold the roles, which were voted upon at the U.S. Collegiate Championship in March. During her second year, she will be responsible for voting on issues raised by the USSS's Board of Governors.

In their positions, Butera and Swinkin will represent the East Zone, which is comprised of each New England state, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and part of Ohio. Butera was elected during March's East Collegiate Regional Championship, while Swinkin will enter the second year of a two-year term. The second-year representative votes upon matters brought up by the USSS's Board of Governors.

Story was voted into office in March and will be responsible for running all collegiate meetings held at the U.S. Collegiate Championship and the United States Aquatic Sports (USAS) Convention. She will also be involved in long-range planning and setting goals for the USSS.

As members of the Athletes Committee, all four Lyons and their coach will attend September's USAS Convention in Chicago. Those eligible will vote upon such issues as rules changes and other decisions critical to synchronized swimming. Within the organization, athletes comprise 20 percent of final votes.