NCAAs delivered 🔥
The 2026 Women’s NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships brought it last weekend, and we’re still not over it.
From dominant relays and breakout individual performances to unforgettable crowd moments, this year’s meet was a reminder of just how exciting women’s college swimming can be. If you needed a dose of motivation heading into long course season, there was plenty to find in this championship season.
NCAA Highlights from the Lead Team
-Picks by the Lead Team’s Courtney Randolph & Ellie Friedlander and Olympic legend Lilly King
UVA opened with a statement in the 800 free relay
The University of Virginia set the tone in the 800 free relay in a meet-record 6:45.21, including a huge 1:39.0 from Anna Moesch.
The 200 free was a must-watch race
In one of the most exciting races of the meet, Anna Moesch took the NCAA title in 1:39.23, with Indiana freshman Liberty Clark right behind in 1:39.88, the second and fourth fastest times in this event ever. Notably, Clark’s best time coming into college was a 1:45.76, so we can’t wait to see what she can do in the next few years!
Torri Huske was THAT GIRL
Torri Huske showed once again that in a tight race, she IS the main character. She pulled off an incredible trifecta of individual wins, taking the 100 fly, 50 free, and 100 free in her final year for Stanford.
Claire Curzan’s 200 back was pure class
Claire Curzan showed why she’s one of the biggest stars in college swimming with a standout win in the 200 backstroke, clocking a meet record 1:46.10, only .01 off her American and US Open Records.
The crowd made a statement for B finals
“Bring Back Bs” could be heard throughout McAuley Aquatic Center, as the crowd let the CSCAA know what they thought of eliminating B finals from the Div. I Championship, and we agree! We’re always here for more opportunities to race.
Grace Nuhfer repped Paralympians at DII Champs
2024 Paralympic silver medalist and Lead Summit alum Grace Nuhfer took the NCAA behind the scenes of DII Champs and presented awards at finals. In college, Grace represented the University of Akron.
Let’s hear it for the champions:
At the Div. I meet, Virginia claimed its sixth straight NCAA team title, continuing one of the most dominant runs in recent college swimming history. Dynasty status? Fully confirmed.
At the Div. II level, Nova Southeastern University brought home its fourth straight championship, winning four out of five relays and numerous individual races.
Last but not least, at the Div. III meet, New York University became first-time national champions, a huge moment for the program and a reminder of what’s possible when belief, preparation, and team culture come together.
You could be next.
Watching these meets is about more than fast times and podium finishes. It’s a glimpse into what happens when young women step into environments that challenge them not just as athletes, but as leaders, teammates, and confident competitors.
At Lead, that’s exactly why we do what we do at the Lead Summit and through the online Lead Academy. We want to help the next generation develop the confidence, leadership skills, and self-belief to make an impact when they get to college (and beyond), whether that means scoring points, lifting up teammates, leading a culture, or stepping into big moments with courage.
Do you have questions about college swimming? Let us know as we develop future content to help young athletes prepare for recruiting and the college experience.
