Cannonball! UVA President and Athletic Director Take Celebratory Dips in the Pool

March 31, 2021 By Whitelaw Reid, wdr4d@virginia.edu Whitelaw Reid, wdr4d@virginia.edu

Who needs a Speedo? Certainly not University of Virginia President Jim Ryan or Director of Athletics Carla Williams.

On Tuesday afternoon at UVA’s Aquatic and Fitness Center, Ryan and Williams celebrated the Cavalier women’s swimming team’s first NCAA championship by taking part in the sport-wide tradition of jumping into the pool.

Fully clothed – and masked! – Ryan and Williams took turns cannonballing.

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The duo’s afternoon dip drew proud responses on social media from Hoos around the world.

Since swimmers compete year-round, they still have practice – but suffice it to say they won’t forget Tuesday’s.

Here’s how everything unfolded through the eyes of UVA Today photographer Sanjay Suchak:

Jim Ryan talking to the womens swimming team who gathered around him
Jim Ryan speaking to swim team
Swim team gathered in a circle listening to the coach speak
Jim Ryan Cannon balling into the swimming pool
UVA Womens swimming team and Jim Ryan arm and arm making a circle in the pool
Swimm team gathered together holding their ACC Trophy with President Jim Ryan

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Whitelaw Reid

Manager of Strategic Communications University of Virginia Licensing & Ventures Group