Date: March 19-22, 2025

Location: Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center, Federal Way, Washington

The anticipation was palpable as swimming enthusiasts gathered for the Day 2 finals of the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships. After a thrilling Day 1, where a new NCAA record was set in the women’s 200 medley relay, expectations were high for another spectacular evening.

Event Schedule for Day 2:

- 500 Freestyle - 200 IM - 50 Freestyle - 1-Meter Diving - 200 Freestyle Relay

During the preceding prelims, reigning champion Bella Sims faced an unexpected setback, finishing 17th in the 500 freestyle. In stark contrast, Anna Peplowski shone with the top time in the prelims, positioning herself in lane four for the finals. The anticipation for the night was electric, leaving viewers to wonder: could the unexpected happen in this nail-biting race?

The 200 IM was set to be a fierce contest, with four swimmers separated by a mere blink. While top qualifier Torri Huske was slightly ahead, previous champion Alex Walsh was right on her tail, poised for a repeat victory. Yet, it remained anyone's game.

And as for the 50 freestyle, all eyes were on Gretchen Walsh of Virginia. Known for her unmatched prowess in this event, her lightning-fast prelim time of 20.44 not only placed her as the frontrunner but also ranked her third fastest in history. The stakes were high, and this sprint would be anything but predictable!

Finals Highlights:

Women’s 500 Freestyle – Finals

Jillian Cox from Texas emerged as the standout star, dominating the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:31.58, a mere two seconds faster than her rivals. This performance was impressive, clocking in just shy of her personal best. Cox maintained a steady pace throughout, making her claim as NCAA Champion. Notably, Aurora Roghair of Stanford showcased her remarkable skills as she surged from 6th to 2nd at the finish line.

Women’s 200 IM – Finals

Torri Huske thrilled the audience by not only leading from the start but also securing her first individual NCAA title with a stellar performance, clocking 1:49.67 — the third fastest in history! With sheer tenacity, she withstood pressure from Alex Walsh, who finished just behind her at 1:50.14, showcasing their tightly contested race.

Women’s 50 Freestyle – Finals

Gretchen Walsh celebrated a second consecutive title, finishing the 50 freestyle at an impressive 20.49 seconds. This time further cemented her name in the record books, consistently displaying her dominance in the event.

Women’s 1-Meter Diving – Finals

In a thrilling twist, Chiara Pellacani broke through to claim her first NCAA title, scoring 354.65 points. Previously champion Aranza Vazquez faced a tough competition, landing 4th and ending her hopes for a third straight win. Miami's dive team, with the guidance of new coach Dario di Fazio, made an impressive statement by taking the top two spots.

Women’s 200 Freestyle Relay – Finals

Virginia secured another defining moment with a winning relay time of 1:24.45. Gretchen Walsh’s explosive lead-off set the tone for the team, cementing their standing at the top. Louisville and Stanford rounded out the podium with commendable efforts, showcasing fierce competition.

As Day 2 of the NCAA Championships wrapped up, the stakes have never been higher. With thrilling performances and thrilling records at play, excitement builds as we gear up for Day 3. Will we see more surprising upsets? Who will bring home the trophies? Stay tuned to find out!