Hall of Fame
Natalia (Villar) Kapitonova, Esq. was a four-year member of the women's swimming team from 2002 through 2006. She is the first women's swimmer inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In her rookie season, Natalia was a two-time gold medalist in the 100 and 200 individual medley and was the Team's Most Valuable Player. In her sophomore year, the Lima, Peru native was a three-time medalist in the 100 butterfly, 500 freestyle, and 200 individual medley. In her junior season, Natalia was a medalist in the 200 individual medley, 500 freestyle, and 100 butterfly. She was invited to the ECAC Qualifier and was the first Bloodhound to represent John Jay in program history.
In her final season, the captain was a finalist in the 200 and 400 individual medley and 100 butterfly and was chosen as an All-American. She was awarded the CUNYAC Swimmer of the Year for her efforts and was the first Bloodhound swimmer to receive this honor. In addition, she was named the John Jay College Athlete of the Year, Team MVP, and the ECAC Merit Award recipient. She finished her John Jay career holding either the school or CUNY record in the 50 and 100 butterfly, 100 and 200 individual medley, and 500 freestyle.
Graduating in 2008 cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in government with a triple minor in law, history, and art. At commencement, she earned the Dr. Herbert Erlanger Award, which was given to a student-athlete with the highest GPA at graduation. After John Jay, she received her JD from New York Law School and was on the Dean's honors list. She is the CEO of her law firm, which she co-owns with her husband, as a litigator in state and federal courts.
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