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WINTER 2024-25 31 October was a memorable month for Vir- ginia Swimming and Diving! On Friday, October 18th, the top-ranked women's team won their opening dual meet against Florida, 181-119. Gretchen Walsh competed in four events, setting four Ameri- can records and one world record (the 100m individual medley, 55.98). Walsh's world record time broke the American record set that morning by former Cavalier teammate Kate Douglass (56.99) at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Shanghai. On Saturday, October 19th, the weekend's activities kicked off with a brunch to honor five former Cavaliers who were inducted into the Virginia Swimming Hall of Fame. The 2024 induction class included: • Courtney Bartholomew (2013-16) • Rachael Burke (2003-06) • Bo Greenwood (2002-05) • Juli Schulte O'Reilly (1983-86) • Ian Prichard (2001-04) Later that day, the Virginia Athletics Foun- dation hosted an event at the Boar's Head Resort, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Women's Swimming and Diving program (Est. 1974). The event included a formal dinner with remarks from former student- athletes — Juli Schulte O'Reilly, Anita O'Quinn, Laurie Wagner Nieves, Brielle White, and Paige Madden. In her remarks, Madden emphasized that the program's success in recent years is due to the many generations of athletes that shaped the foundation for the program's character and culture. She commented, "We're a dynasty now… this is a very special family and we're all so lucky to be a part of that." The evening concluded with remarks from Head Coach Todd DeSorbo and included the ring ceremony for the 2024 National Championship team. Reflecting on the event, DeSorbo said "It was a special event to share with all the alumni who came back for the 50th anniversary for women's swimming & diving. Hearing from the different speakers about their experiences at UVA and then to cap it off with the national championship ring ceremony was epic. I was impressed with how many alumni came back to support the team, their passion for UVA Swimming and Diving was immeasurable. I'm proud to be a small part of the great tradition and am thankful to all those who contributed to a great weekend." Virginia becomes the third program to win four consecutive championships, and their newest rings commemorate this achievement beautifully. Gold banded, the face of the ring includes diamond and black jeweled ac- cents around its edge with a jeweled V-Sabre logo in its center. On one side appears the "University of Virginia," with each athlete's last name above Virginia's inclusive alternate logo. On the other side, "Dynasty" appears above "The 4th." NCAA rules preclude the athletic depart- ment from funding (directly or indirectly) a high school athletic program. For example, the athletic department may not provide athletic equipment to a high school or donate tickets, memorabilia or similar items that will be auctioned to financially support a high school athletic program or team. If the athletic department receives a dona- tion request that benefits a high school or a prospect, it will not be fulfilled. The athletic de- partment, unfortunately, is restricted by NCAA rules on this issue. Boosters are not restricted as much as the athletic department. Boosters may provide funding to benefit a high school athletics program located in the community where they reside, as long as the booster acts indepen- dently of the institution, the funds are distrib- uted through channels established by the high school or the organization conducting the fund- raising activity (e.g., GoFundMe) and the funds are not earmarked for a specific prospect. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact athleticscompliance@virginia.edu. COMPLIANCE CORNER Women's Swimming And Diving Celebrate 50th Anniversary And 4th Consecutive National Championship Members of the 2024 National Championship team showing off their new rings. Virginia Swimming & Diving alumni celebrating the program's 50th anniversary.