By Rob Washburn, CAA

The CAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships return to the Christiansburg Aquatic Center in Christiansburg, Va. with six women’s teams and five men’s squads battling for conference titles. The four-day event begins on Wednesday, February 16 and concludes on Saturday, February 19.

All-session tickets will be on sale at the door for $90 for adults and $45 for youth. Individual sessions are $12 for adults and $5 for youth. Please note that cash will NOT be accepted for any onsite ticket or merchandise sales, so we ask that you plan accordingly.

Full coverage of the CAA Swimming and Diving Championships will be streamed live on FloSports (FloSports.tv/CAA).

Women’s Championship

After finishing as the runner-up for the past four years, William & Mary is looking to capture its first CAA championship since going back-to-back in 2016-17. Leading the Tribe is senior Missy Cundiff, who set the CAA all-time record in the 50 free earlier this season with a time of 21.98. She’s expected to contend in the 100 free and 100 fly as well. Junior Elizabeth Intihar is the defending champion in the 500 free and also has the top time this season in the 200 free. Annie Tuttle has top times in the 100 and 200 breast.

Towson has won seven CAA women’s championships, with the most recent one coming in 2015. Senior Meagan Clark has the league’s top time in the 1650 free and is also a strong challenger in the 200 and 500 free. Senior Karlee Carminati has the second-fastest times this season in the 400 IM and 1650 free.

Delaware hopes to build off last year’s fourth-place team finish. Junior Mira Selling is the defending champion in the 200 free and 200 fly, and has the top time this season in the 200 IM. Freshman Mania Tasakou has posted the second-fastest time in the CAA in the 100 breast.

Drexel has several swimmers who rank among the top five in various events. Senior Lera Nasedkina will be among the contenders in the 50 and 100 free as well as the 100 fly. Megan Sicinski has the second-fastest time this season in the 200 breast and third-best in the 100 breast.

UNCW has won the CAA championship three times, with the last one coming in 2006. Sophomore Brooke Knisely is among the favorites in the 500 and 1650 free, while freshman Katie Knorr has the top times in the 400 IM and 200 back and Victoria Cunningham has the best mark in the 200 fly. Courtney Klausen is the defending champion in the 1-meter diving competition.

Northeastern features a deep group of divers that includes the divers with the top scores this season on the 1-meter (Kiki Murphy) and 3-meter (Emily Murphy) boards. In the pool, sophomore Jamie Koo is one of the CAA’s top performers in the 50 free and 100 fly, and Bailey Smith should be strong in the 200 back.

Men’s Championship

Towson captured its first CAA men’s championship in school history last season. Sophomore Brian Benzing, who was the Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet and CAA Swimmer of the Year in 2021, returns and is among the favorites in the 200 IM and the 100 and 200 breast. Senior Ryan Baldino is the defending champ in the 200 free and should also be strong in the 50 and 100 free. Also back are Michael Fazio, who won the 100 free in 2021, and Nick McClure, who is the reigning champ in the 200 fly.

UNCW has placed second for the past two years after winning 13 consecutive titles from 2002-14. Sophomore Will Goldey swept the 100 and 200 back a year ago and will battle freshman teammate Will Barker in both events. Junior Henderson Louviere is looking to repeat in the 200 IM, while freshman Silas Crosby has the top time in the 400 IM and freshman Sam O’Brien is a favorite in the 500 and 1650 free.

Drexel has finished in the top three at the championship for the past six years. Senior Paris Raptis is the defending champ in the 100 fly and has the top time in the event this season. Kacper Karnik will be looking to repeat in the 200 breast and is also a strong contender in the 200 IM. The Dragons should also excel in diving with Will Seely holding the top mark on the 3-meter board.

William & Mary claimed six straight conference championships from 2015-20 and is looking to start a new streak this season. Leading the Tribe will be senior Graham Hertweck, who is a contender in the 50 and 100 free, and freshman Micah Lowe, who will battle in the 100 and 200 back events.

Delaware hopes to build on a solid effort at last year’s championship. Freshman Toni Sabev is a contender in the 100 breast, sophomore Simeon Sabev has top five times in the 100 and 200 fly, and Andrew Taylor has top three performances in the 500 and 1650 free.

Spectators, regardless of vaccination status, are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at all times inside the Christiansburg Aquatic Center. Additionally, family members will be directed to congregate with student-athletes outside the lobby near the team bus pick up/drop off area rather than inside the facility.

To stay up to date with what is happening at the Swimming and Diving Championships be sure to follow the CAA on Twitter (@CAASports), Instagram (@caasports) and join the conversation using the hashtag #CAAChamps. For live results, recaps, and more, visit CAASports.com/SD.