Virginia Women’s Swimming Claims Historic Sixth Consecutive NCAA Title
ATLANTA – The University of Virginia women’s swimming and diving team cemented its dynasty on Saturday, March 21, 2026, securing a record-breaking sixth consecutive NCAA Championship at the McCauley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Virginia finished with 589 points, marking the first time any team has achieved such a feat in women’s swimming and diving.
A Dynasty Defined by Dominance
The Cavaliers’ victory wasn’t just about continuing a streak; it was about the margin of dominance. UVA finished 208.5 points ahead of second-place Stanford University, with 16 of UVA’s 18 swimmers earning either a first- or second-team All-America distinction. SwimSwam reports that this winning total of 589 points was the second most by any women’s team in the last 20 years, surpassed only by Stanford in 2018.
New Stars Emerge
This championship win was particularly notable as it came without contributions from the program’s former stars, Kate Douglass and Alex and Gretchen Walsh, who had graduated. The team’s success was driven by standout performances from junior Claire Curzan, who won two individual titles and contributed to four relay victories, as well as Aimee Canny and Sara Curtis.
Key Performances and Championship Moments
The Cavaliers showcased their strength across all events, winning all five relay events and securing gold in three individual events. Curzan repeated as the 200 Back champion with a time of 1:46.10, and UVA’s 400 Free Relay team finished first in 3:05.26. Sophomore Anna Moesch earned a silver medal in the 100 Free (45.54), while freshman Sara Curtis took bronze (45.77).
Expanding Legacy of Cavalier Athletics
This victory marks the 36th NCAA team championship won by a Cavalier athletics program across all sports. The ACC reported that women’s swimming now ties men’s tennis with six championships, placing them one title behind UVA men’s lacrosse and men’s soccer for the most in school history.
Coach DeSorbo Reflects on the Achievement
“The first couple of days of the meet are really what’s exciting and nerve-wracking and makes you anxious and stuff,” UVA coach Todd DeSorbo said, according to Virginia Sports, “but now that it’s over, it’s been a little bit surreal.” DeSorbo, who took over the program in 2017, has led the Cavaliers to a national title in 67% of his nine seasons.
Looking Ahead
With a strong core of returning swimmers and a proven coaching staff, the Virginia women’s swimming and diving team appears poised to continue its reign as a national powerhouse. The program returns 301 individual points, signaling a continued competitive edge in the years to approach. SwimSwam also notes that Texas returns 234.5 individual points, suggesting they will be a strong competitor.