FORT PIERCE, FL - The Jamestown Community College (JCC) Jayhawks have flown 1,250 miles from their nest, the JCC aquatic center, to the Sunshine State for the national championship, but for a trio of JCC student-athletes, the journey has been even farther.

On the men's side, Zach Johnson, the reigning national swimmer of the year, joins the squad from South Africa, while freshman Diego Villarroel hails from Bolivia. The duo are a combined 12,000 miles from home. Making this opportunity to compete at the highest levels of the NJCAA swimming and diving competition that much sweeter.

"I thought about this while I was on the plane. I am forever grateful for what is at hand. It is an unbelievable experience, and I am super grateful for JCC giving us this chance," said sophomore Zach Johnson.

"It means a lot to me because it gives me the opportunity to compete with other international athletes and to interact with them," added Villarroel.

As for the women's team, freshman Roxanne Lothian, who has already set three program records, also made the 8,000-mile trip to Jamestown from South Africa. 

"I just love being out here in the sun, so I am really enjoying this opportunity," said Lothian, who laughs about the snow of Western New York while it's summertime back home. "I think we are all looking forward to what is coming after nationals, but I really just want to enjoy this time at nationals with my teammates," she added.

It's not just the international students who are soaking up this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The men and women who call Chautauqua County home year-round are just as excited to swim for a national crown under the blue skies of Fort Pierce, Florida.

"This means a lot. The college is amazing for doing this for us. It is a great opportunity, and I will do my best," said Falconer native Daniel Peterson.

"It's not every day that you get to go to Florida and swim in nationals, so I think that will make this a great experience for everyone," mentioned Maple Grove product Desiree Putt.

The student-athletes thank their coaches and the JCC athletic department for giving them this exposure, and those coaches and administrators are proud they are taking it all in.

"As coaches, we strive all year for this moment to give these kids a chance to win and be a part of a national championship. It is extra special for the international kids being so far from home and coming to the United States for chances just like this. I think it is also truly special to have those international students on our team, who bring their culture to us," said head coach Todd Conklin.

The Jayhawks hit the competitive waters of Indian River State College for nationals starting on Wednesday morning through Saturday evening.

If you'd like to watch, the NJCAA will stream the events here.