The Women’s Division 1 Swimming & Diving recently took place from March 19-22 in Federal Way, Washington. For the fifth year in a row, the University of Virginia Women absolutely dominated the competition, winning with 544 points, an astonishing 127 points ahead of second placed Stanford.

Leading the Virginia Women was swimming phenomenon Gretchen Walsh, who put on what might have been the most dominant showing in Women’s NCAA swimming history. Walsh, a senior, won the 50 freestyle in 20.37, the 100 freestyle in 44.71, and the 100 butterfly in 46.97, all NCAA records by considerable margins. 

The only other swimmer to win multiple events was fellow Virginia Cavalier Claire Curzan. The junior won the 100 backstroke in 49.11 and the 200 backstroke in 1:46.82, the latter breaking her own NCAA record. She also placed second in the 50 freestyle in 21.11, only behind Walsh. 

The Cavaliers won four out of five relays, their only defeat coming in the 800 freestyle relay, which was won by Stanford. 

Another notable performance which saw the NCAA record broken was Emma Sticklen’s 200 butterfly. The Texas fifth-year won in a time of 1:49.11, helping the Longhorns to a third place team finish.

While Virginia will lose their best swimmer in Walsh next year, they still return some incredible young talents, including freshmen standouts Anna Moesch and Katie Grimes, leaving them as the title favorites for 2026.

Image Source: https://swimswam.com/2022-ncaa-division-i-womens-championships-day-4-finals-live-recap/