One Last Splash: UVA Celebrates Swim Dynasty With Poolside Sendoff

Alex Walsh wasn’t boasting. She was just speaking truth. 

“I think right now I’m just missing the thumb,” she said, “so I need to make sure I order a big-enough-sized ring to be able to wear all of them.”

Few student-athletes in the history of the NCAA have had to consider all their fingers when flaunting their championship rings. Walsh entered that rare air in March after the University of Virginia women’s swimming and diving team continued the greatest run in UVA sports, capturing its fifth straight NCAA title.

Walsh, who received an extra year of NCAA eligibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic, played a pivotal role in each of them. The 34-time All-American personifies the Wahoos’ unparalleled greatness, which was celebrated Friday alongside UVA President Jim Ryan, Rector Robert Hardie, Director of Athletics Carla Williams and football coach Tony Elliott, among other University notables. They joined the team in a ceremonial jump into the pool at the Aquatic & Fitness Center.

A celebration of a #Dyna5ty!#GoHoos pic.twitter.com/hnbqC9aJCr

— Virginia Cavaliers (@VirginiaSports) May 9, 2025

“You excel in and out of the pool,” Ryan told the team. “You are not only phenomenal athletes, but you’re phenomenal students.” 

Walsh earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science last spring and spent this year studying cybersecurity management through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. She’s one half of an incredible sister duo. Gretchen, a year Alex’s junior, recently repeated as the Atlantic Coast Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Together, the Walshes combined to win 48 NCAA individual and relay national championships in their Cavalier careers. 

Their legacy won’t only be connected to the banners that line the walls outside the pool at the AFC, coach Todd DeSorbo said.

UVA President Jim Ryan cannonballs into the pool alongside Rector Robert Hardie and swimming coach Todd DeSorbo, among others. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

“I think they’ll be remembered as just being great people,” DeSorbo said. “They’ve worked really hard. They’re really good people. They’ve been team captains, both of them, and they’re great teammates.

“They’re both obviously on their way out, but they’re still talking to me about things that we can do within the program and with other athletes to help the program continue to thrive.”

Gretchen Walsh, who’s already set 17 world records and is a four-time Olympic medalist, is graduating from the McIntire School of Commerce. If Friday was one last toast to the Walshes’ success as Hoos, it also served up a splash of reality.

The Walsh sisters, standing behind Ryan, are among the key contributors to UVA’s five consecutive NCAA titles. Football coach Tony Elliott and Director of Athletics Carla Williams, seen here flanking Ryan, helped celebrate the team’s success Friday. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

UVA won’t have a Walsh to rely on in its quest to become the first women’s swimming program to ever win six straight NCAA championships. How long will the streak last?

“I got in trouble for guaranteeing five in a row at President Ryan’s house when we were celebrating the fourth national championship back in the fall,” DeSorbo said. “I guaranteed a fifth, and I got in trouble by a mentor of mine. He said never to guarantee anything like that. 

“So, I’m not going to guarantee six in a row, but I can guarantee that we’ll be competitive, and we’ve got a great, talented group of returners. We’ve got a really great incoming first-year class I’m really excited about.”

Among the swimmers expected to return for UVA in 2025-26 are nine All-Americans: Claire Curzan, Anna Moesch, Leah Hayes, Tess Howley, Aimee Canny, Cavan Gormsen, Katie Grimes, Charlotte Wilson and Emma Weber.

The Walsh sisters, as they transition to professional swimming, will remain in Charlottesville and train with the UVA team alongside fellow star alumna Kate Douglass.