A week before leading the University of Virginia’s swimming and diving program on its quest for a fifth consecutive NCAA championship, star Cavalier swimmer Gretchen Walsh has received a high honor.
The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday announced Walsh as this year’s Steve Guback Sportsperson of the Year. The award recognizes an athlete, coach, team, administrator and/or individual who supports athletics and has distinguished themselves through outstanding athletic achievement during the 2024 calendar year.
Walsh was selected following an open nomination period and a vote combining the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame’s board of directors and the public.
Walsh, who won seven NCAA titles and four Olympic medals in 2024, will receive her award April 26 in Virginia Beach.
“You would be hard-pressed to find an athlete who had a better 2024 than Gretchen Walsh,” Virginia Sports Hall of Fame chairman Marty Miller said.
Last month, the senior repeated as the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Most Valuable Swimmer after her sterling performance – compiling seven gold medals, including three from individual races and four from relays – at the league championship meet in Greensboro, North Carolina, an event the Wahoos won for a sixth consecutive time
UVA will begin competition in the NCAA championship meet March 19 in Federal Way, Washington.
