Virginia and California Dominate ACC Swimming and Diving Championships

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Swimming and Diving Championships continued Thursday at the Greensboro Aquatic Center, with Virginia leading the women’s competition and California topping the men’s standings after three days of intense competition.

Virginia boasts a commanding lead on the women’s side with 744.5 points, while California holds a strong advantage in the men’s competition with 633.5 points. The meet, held at the state-of-the-art Greensboro Aquatic Center, has showcased exceptional athleticism and thrilling races.

Virginia freshman Katie Grimes made a splash, winning gold in the 400 IM with a time of 3:59.39. This notable performance marks the second-fastest time in meet history, just behind former Virginia standout Ella Nelson’s 3:59.33, set at the 2023 ACC Championships. In her first time swimming the event at the ACC Championships, Grimes’ achievement underscores her potential as a rising star in collegiate swimming.

On the men’s side, Louisville’s Tommy Bried secured his first ACC title, winning the 400 IM with a time of 3:39.28. NC State’s Kyle Ponsler and North Carolina’s Ben Delmar followed, taking second and third place respectively. Bried’s victory is a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Stanford’s Torri Huske continued her dominance, claiming the women’s 100 fly title with a time of 48.52. This performance shattered her own school record of 48.96, solidifying her position as a top contender. Huske, a two-time ACC champion, previously made history as Stanford’s first individual champion in the ACC era, winning the 200 IM on Wednesday with a time of 1:51.46.

In the men’s 100 fly, Stanford’s Andrei Minakov, competing in his ACC Championships debut, secured the gold with a time of 44.27. Florida State’s Michel Arkhangelskiy and Cal’s Oludare Rose finished second and third, respectively. Minakov, an eight-time Stanford record holder, already holds the program’s 100 fly record with a time of 43.71.

Virginia’s Aimee Canny continued her winning streak,securing back-to-back ACC Championship titles in the 200 free with a time of 1:42.00. Cal’s Lea Polonsky and Canny’s teammate Annaliesa Moesch

Dominating the ACC: How Freshmen Stars and Record Breakers Defined Swimming and Diving Championships

Headline: Fresh Talent Shines as Virginia and California Lead ACC Swimming and Diving Championships at Greensboro Aquatic Center

Opening statement: Are you ready to dive into the depths of collegiate athletic excellence? The latest ACC Swimming and Diving Championships have thrown waves of excitement, showcasing not only seasoned champions but also emerging freshmen stars who are rewriting the rulebook of competitive swimming.

Interview with Dr.Alex Marlowe,Renowned Sportswriter and Expert in Collegiate Swimming

Editor: Welcome,Dr. Marlowe. The recent ACC Championships have been hailed as a showcase of extraordinary talent and thrilling competition. Could you share what stood out to you the most during this event?

Dr. Marlowe: Absolutely. One of the most eye-catching aspects of this year’s championships was the emergence of freshmen athletes who have instantly made their mark. Virginia’s Katie Grimes, in particular, set the waters ablaze by winning the 400 IM with a stellar time of 3:59.39. This was not only her debut at the ACC Championships but also placed her among the all-time greats in meet history. It’s heartening to see fresh talent rise to such heights, reinforcing the unpredictable nature of collegiate sports.

Editor: How do these performances by freshmen like Katie Grimes compare to previous standout moments in ACC history?

Dr. marlowe: Grimes’ performance is reminiscent of important breakthroughs we’ve seen in swimming history. To be in contention just weeks after her debut speaks volumes about the preparation these athletes undergo. A historical parallel can be drawn to ella Nelson’s performance in 2023 when she set a then-meet record, a testament to Virginia’s robust training program.

Editor: It seems Virginia has consistently been a powerhouse in women’s swimming. What drives their continued success?

Dr. Marlowe: Virginia’s dominance can be attributed to a combination of top-tier coaching, strategic recruitment, and a culture that fosters growth and excellence among athletes. As a notable example, Stanford’s Torri Huske has also demonstrated this with her multiple championships and records; she shattered her own women’s 100 fly mark at these championships.Key to this success is creating an surroundings that supports athletes at every stage of their development.

Editor: Speaking of impressive performances, Stanford’s Andrei Minakov secured a gold in the men’s 100 fly. What does this say about newer athletes making a mark in collegiate swimming?

Dr. Marlowe: Minakov’s victory, especially in his ACC Championships debut, underscores the evolving landscape of collegiate swimming. Athletes are coming into these competitions more prepared than ever before,having set numerous records even before stepping on the championship stage. Minakov currently holds Stanford’s 100 fly record — a clear signal that the competitive spirit is as fierce as the races themselves.

Editor: Moving from individual triumphs to team strategies, both Virginia and California have shown remarkable dominance, amassing significant points in their respective categories. What strategic insights do these results reveal?

Dr. Marlowe: Team strategies in collegiate swimming are multifaceted and often center on balanced athlete development across various disciplines. Virginia’s strategy of prioritizing depth across events is evident in Aimee Canny’s back-to-back ACC Championship titles in the 200 free. Similarly, California’s points accumulation reflects a broad-based approach where various swimmers contribute across a spectrum of events, showcasing not just specialization but versatility.

Editor: With such a competitive atmosphere, how can upcoming swimmers leverage these championships to advance their careers?

Dr. Marlowe: These championships serve as a fertile ground for upcoming swimmers to benchmark their progress, understand competitive dynamics, and enhance their technical skills. Participating in or even spectating at an event of this caliber offers invaluable insights into pacing, strategy adjustment, and mental resilience. Moreover, it’s a platform for them to meet potential coaches, mentors, and sponsors.

Key Takeaways:

• Virginia and California’s dominance in the ACC Championships illustrates a journey fueled by rigorous training, strategic talent nurturing, and cultural emphasis on athletic excellence.
• Newcomers like Katie Grimes and Andrei Minakov are reshaping the contours of collegiate swimming with performances that are both inspiring and record-breaking.
• The triumphs of athletes such as Torri Huske emphasize the crucial role of a supportive environment that nurtures the potential of emerging swimmers.
• Observing championships like these can be pivotal for up-and-coming athletes looking to understand and navigate the competitive landscape of collegiate sports.

Closing Remark: As the ripples from these championships continue to resonate, let’s keep our eyes peeled for the next wave of talent that will undoubtedly emerge in the realms of collegiate swimming and diving.Share your thoughts on these amazing performances in the comments,and let’s discuss the future stars of the pool!