This weekend, No. 1 women’s swimming and diving hosted the Cavalier Invite — inviting Army, James Madison, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, Richmond, South Carolina, St. Bonaventure, Towson and William & Mary in an individual format.
There was no team competition, but there was certainly an opportunity to break some records at the Aquatic & Fitness Center for one last time this season. However, several mainstays took the weekend off — most notably all but one of Virginia’s relay teams. But even without those star-studded relays, ample opportunities were given to underclassmen who have not seen extensive action this season.
One of those rookies was freshman Emma Redman, who won the 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard breaststroke. She also routinely earned top-five finishes in multiple races, including preliminaries.
Freshman Aspen Gersper had a strong day as well, winning the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 49.91 seconds. That mark was a full four seconds ahead of the runner-up, sophomore Grace Daniels of South Carolina.
Another major highlight happened Friday, when, for one final time in their illustrious careers, graduate Alex Walsh and senior Gretchen Walsh put on a show at the Aquatic & Fitness Center. In the 100-yard breaststroke, both sisters recorded times that rank within the 10 fastest 100-yard breaststroke performances ever registered by a female swimmer.
In an electric race, Alex Walsh finished just .01 seconds ahead of her younger sister. In addition to winning a friendly sibling competition, Alex Walsh’s 56.86 mark broke a pool record.
Freshman Katie Grimes, also one of the regular contributors, did not sit out either. She claimed a pool record in the 1,650-yard freestyle in her time trial — posting a 15:53.40 — which broke the 15:58.46 AFC record that had stood for 24 years. Joining Grimes as a fellow first-place freshman was Leah Hayes, who won the 200-yard individual medley.
Ultimately, the Cavaliers won 19 of the meet’s 26 events — proving that the entire roster is well-prepared for the postseason. Beginning Feb. 18, Virginia travels to Greensboro, N.C. for the 2025 ACC Championships. The Cavalier women have won five straight conference championships, as well as 20 of the past 35.
Also on the horizon, national honors will be released in a few weeks. Virginia has also boasted the NCAA Most Valuable Player four years in a row. In 2021, it was Class of 2021 alumna Paige Madden. In 2022 and 2023, it was Class of 2023 alumna Kate Douglass. Last year, it was Gretchen Walsh — who very well may win her second MVP, just as Douglass did.
All of this past, present and future success starts up top with Coach Todd DeSorbo, who has been honored as the CSCAA Coach of the Year four straight times. With him at the helm and a bevy of star power, these Cavaliers are clearly the title favorite. All they have to do is claim victory in two more meets, and a fifth national championship banner could be coming home to Charlottesville.
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