On January 10, 2025, the University of Virginia (UVA) swimming and diving teams showcased their incredible talent by achieving a significant victory over Penn State during a dual meet held at the Aquatic & Fitness Center in Charlottesville, VA. This event was particularly special as it marked Senior Day, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the senior athletes. The results were remarkable: the women's team triumphed with a score of 154 to 61, while the men's team secured a solid win with a score of 133 to 85.
This meet attracted an impressive crowd of 1,156 spectators, setting a new record for attendance at a UVA home meet. The Cavaliers demonstrated their prowess by dominating the competition, winning 19 out of the 20 events on the schedule. The women’s team was exceptional, winning all ten of their events, while the men achieved victory in nine. Rather than featuring nail-biting races, this meet was characterized by outstanding performances from both seasoned athletes and promising newcomers. Many of the male swimmers focused on their primary events, while several female competitors ventured into secondary races to diversify their skills.
Among the standout performers on the women’s side were junior Claire Curzan and freshman Sophia Umstead, who both excelled by emerging victorious in two different events. Curzan's impressive times included a win in the 100 freestyle with a time of 47.16 seconds and a season-best performance in the 200 freestyle at 1:43.50, showcasing her continued improvement. Her previous bests remain 46.74 and 1:41.99 from the last February. Notably, her 100 freestyle season best places her ninth in the NCAA standings, while her 200 freestyle time ranks her twentieth nationally. Curzan's victories were commanding; she won the 100 freestyle by a margin of 2.39 seconds and the 200 freestyle by 0.97 seconds over her teammate Katie Grimes, who also achieved a personal best of 1:44.47 in that event.
Another notable competitor was Nina Jazy, who made her Cavalier debut and finished second in the 100 freestyle with a time of 49.55 seconds, a commendable start given her background in longer sprint events.
Sophia Umstead also had a fantastic day in the pool, winning the 200 individual medley (IM) with a time of 1:56.51 and the 200 breaststroke in 2:09.72, both of which were personal bests. Grimes continued to impress as well, clocking in at 2:13.39 in the 200 breaststroke, marking a significant improvement of 1.48 seconds from her previous best.
On the men's side, Maximus Williamson kicked off his success with a win in the 200 IM, finishing in 1:42.44, followed by a victory in the 100 freestyle at 42.28 seconds. Although these times were not his season bests, they reflect his consistent performance level. David King also shone brightly, winning both the 200 freestyle and 200 backstroke with times of 1:34.09 and 1:41.09, respectively.
Freshman Thomas Heilman also made headlines by winning the 200 butterfly in 1:41.97, even though he was slightly off his season best of 1:39.09, which currently ranks third in the NCAA.
Penn State's only win came from senior Mariano Lazzerini, who secured the top spot in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 1:52.52. That result is impressive, considering he has previously set a personal best of 1:50.93 this season, ranking him sixth nationwide.
Here is a recap of the event winners:
Women:
- 400 Medley Relay: Virginia, 3:30.51
- 200 Freestyle: Claire Curzan, 1:43.50
- 50 Freestyle: Bryn Greenwaldt, 21.61
- 200 IM: Sophia Umstead, 1:56.51
- 200 Butterfly: Aimee Canny, 1:54.49
- 100 Freestyle: Claire Curzan, 47.16
- 200 Backstroke: Tess Howley, 1:52.25
- 500 Freestyle: Lily Gormsen, 4:48.57
- 200 Breaststroke: Sophia Umstead, 2:09.72
- 200 Freestyle Relay: Virginia, 1:27.48
Men:
- 400 Medley Relay: Virginia, 3:04.04
- 200 Freestyle: David King, 1:34.09
- 50 Freestyle: Jack Aikins, 19.64
- 200 IM: Maximus Williamson, 1:42.44
- 200 Butterfly: Thomas Heilman, 1:41.97
- 100 Freestyle: Maximus Williamson, 42.28
- 200 Backstroke: David King, 1:41.33
- 500 Freestyle: Nathan Szobota, 4:22.84
- 200 Breaststroke: Mariano Lazzerini, 1:52.52
- 200 Freestyle Relay: Virginia, 1:18.71
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will take on Virginia Tech in a dual meet scheduled for Saturday, January 17, in Christiansburg, VA. Meanwhile, Penn State will prepare for a matchup against Princeton on January 24.
