At this week’s ACC Swimming & Diving Championships, Virginia’s women’s swimming team solidified its place in history, extending its unparalleled dominance in collegiate swimming. With another record-setting performance in the 800 freestyle relay, the Cavaliers not only claimed their 18th consecutive victory in the event but also set a new benchmark that further cements their status as the sport’s most formidable force. For the first time since 2019, one school now holds NCAA records in all five relay events, a feat made all the more remarkable by the contributions of some of the country’s brightest swimmers.
On Tuesday, Virginia’s 800 free relay team—comprised of Aimee Canny, Claire Curzan, Alex Walsh, and Gretchen Walsh—blazed through the water, clocking an astonishing 6:44.13. The time not only toppled the previous record set by Stanford in 2017 but also set new standards for the U.S. Open, NCAA, ACC, and school records. This victory adds yet another chapter to the Cavaliers’ extraordinary reign over the pool, where they’ve now claimed a record in every NCAA relay event.
Gretchen Walsh, already a force to be reckoned with, set the tone for the relay’s success, posting a blistering 1:39.35 split in the opening leg, marking an ACC record and the second-fastest 200 freestyle time in history. Only the legendary Missy Franklin’s 1:39.10, set at the 2015 NCAA championships, stands ahead of Walsh’s mark. It’s moments like these that continue to define Walsh’s legacy as one of the most dominant swimmers in the NCAA, and her contribution to Virginia’s incredible relay streak is undeniable.
But Walsh is far from the only standout swimmer driving the Cavaliers’ success. The team’s ability to set records across such a wide range of events speaks volumes about its depth and versatility. From the 50 free to the 400 IM relay, Virginia’s dominance is not confined to one stroke or distance. With Leah Smith’s mastery in the longer freestyle events, Claire Curzan’s exceptional backstroke and butterfly performances, and Alex Walsh’s brilliance in the breaststroke and butterfly, the Cavaliers have a well-rounded squad capable of conquering any challenge.
Perhaps most striking is the sheer consistency of Virginia’s performances. While many teams can produce strong individual results, few can boast a sustained, year-over-year superiority across so many different disciplines. The Cavaliers’ triumph in the 800 free relay is merely the latest proof of this unrivaled consistency.
For coach Todd DeSorbo and his staff, the records and the accolades reflect years of meticulous planning and a program built on developing elite swimmers capable of excelling in a variety of events. With the women’s team now holding all five NCAA relay records, it’s evident that Virginia has become the gold standard in collegiate swimming.
As the ACC Championships continue to unfold, Virginia’s women’s swimming team has already cemented its place in history—not just for its performance this week, but for the legacy it continues to build, setting records and rewriting the narrative of what’s possible in collegiate swimming. This statement of dominance that will be remembered. Holding every NCAA relay record is a huge accomplishment, and it’s clear that the Cavaliers are in a class of their own.