Cavalier Corner

April 2016

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"So their open-mindedness, their together- ness, their work ethic, attitude, being very positive people was huge." One of the other changes in mindset Busch brought was a focus on being defined not by what happens in the ACC, but by what hap- pens in the NCAA Championships. "We've got a team that now has tasted what it's like to be a top-tier program," Busch said. "Before maybe our big rival was North Carolina in our own East Coast bubble, where now we consider our rivals to be the California's, Stanford's, Georgia's and Texas A&M's — all the best teams. "I think how we define success now is what I am most proud of, especially with our women's team." Smith sees the change in how success is defined as a continued evolution of Virginia's swimming legacy. "When you come to UVA and you learn all about the history of the team, about the legacy and it's so important to us that each member knows that they have a duty to up- hold that legacy," she said. "There's a lot of pressure, but it's a really good kind of pres- sure to know that you're keeping that going. I think that's how we don't get complacent." That success has been brought about not only by the system changes in the water, but also by the camaraderie that has become critical to the women's team success. "I would say my favorite part about our team is the respect we have for one another," Smith said. "I think that is hard to find some- times on a team. People are so competitive and so good that when you're on a team it gets hard to act like a team because everyone is trying to outdo the other person. "I think that when you can see beyond your own success and try to help out your teammates, it just makes the team bond so much stronger. I just think our team is great about that." "Their togetherness is unparalleled," Busch agreed. "I've been around a lot of women's teams and usually women's teams have a level of cattiness, a level of drama to them. I mean, this group doesn't have any of that nor did it last year." Bartholomew sees it as second family and said it's been like that since she arrived in Charlottesville. "Just knowing when you come to UVA, when we commit to this team, we feel like we're part of a family," she said. "When I came on my recruiting trip, I saw the sense of family and the connectedness. "I think that shows when we're at the pool, in interviews and just our finishes. It's really exciting to be able to walk on deck and be with 30 of your best friends." So with the pieces in place, in terms of philosophy, teamwork and a focus on being the best in the NCAA, Virginia women's swimming is poised for great things. "I really do think this team is so special," Bartholomew said. "Wow, I'm kind of emo- tional saying this now. Just knowing that they work so hard day in and day out, I figure they are only going to get better in the NCAA. "As someone departing the team, you want nothing but success. You want to see this school and the teams at this school keep succeeding. I think that Augie's building a program that can do that." Prior to 2014, UVA women's swimming had seven top-11 finishes — three more of them have been added since Busch arrived in 2014. Over the last two seasons, the Hoos placed in the top five for the first time ever. What's the goal for next season? "We're going to be right back gunning for the same thing," Busch said. ◆

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