Courtesy of Competitor, a SwimSwam partner.
It feels like we were just gearing up for the 2024 Olympic Trials and Games, and now, somehow, the 2025 NCAA Division I Swimming Championships are about to kick off! If you haven’t already, be sure to mark your calendars for these must-watch events:
- Women’s Championships: March 19-22
- Men’s Championships: March 26-29
Both championships will be held at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Washington. With a lineup featuring Olympic and top-ranked collegiate swimmers, we’re in for several days of nail-biting competition and unforgettable performances.
A total of 281 female and 235 male athletes were invited to participate in this year’s D1 Swimming Championship events – many of whom we had the chance to see perform at the 2024 Paris Games. And with NCAA qualifying times more difficult than ever to achieve, it’s safe to say we can expect some of the fastest races to date.
Here’s are a few of our can’t-miss athletes.
Women’s NCAA Division I Swimming Championships
- The Walsh Sisters – Our list wouldn’t be complete without Gretchen and Alex Walsh, two fan-favorites from the 2024 Olympic Trials and Games. Gretchen – who took home a silver medal in Paris in the 100m butterfly and also set an Olympic record in the event’s semifinals – is heading into the NCAA championships as the number one seed in the 100 Fly. She also holds the fastest cut times for both the 50 and 100 Freestyle – the other two individual events she competed in at this past Olympics. Her sister, Alex Walsh, is the number two seed for both the 200 Butterfly and 200 Individual Medley, and the first seed in the 100 Breaststroke. After competing in the 200 IM in Paris, we’re especially excited to see Alex run this race back.
- Emma Sticklen – Texas State Grad Emma Sticklen will also be one to watch in the 200 Butterfly, coming in as the top seed in front of Alex Walsh. With a seed time of 1:49.16, Sticklen is also .01 seconds away from the NCAA record (1:49.17), set by Walsh at the 2024 ACC Championships.
- Arabella “Bella” Sims – Sims, a sophomore representing the Florida Gators, has been one to keep an eye on since she qualified for the 2021 Olympic team at just 16. At the upcoming NCAA championships, she’s taken the top seed spot in the 100 Backstroke with a seed time of 48.97, not too far behind Gretchen Walsh’s NCAA record.
Men’s NCAA Division I Swimming Championships
- Jordan Crooks – University of Tennessee senior Jordan Crooks is set to compete in several races, with the 200 Freestyle shaping up to be of the more intense showdowns. As the number two seed, Crooks will go up against top seed Luke Hobson, the current NCAA record holder in the event. While Hobson’s record is 1.19 seconds faster than Crooks’ seed time, there’s still a chance that Crooks could pull off an upset.
- Luca Urlando – Despite being the American Record Holder in the 200-yard Backstroke, University of Georgia junior Luca Urlando will not be swimming it at this year’s D1 championships. Instead, he’s focusing on the 100 and 200 Butterfly, where he comes in as the No. 2 and No. 1 seed, respectively. And while we’re hoping to see him defend his title as the NCAA record holder in the 200 Butterfly, we can’t wait to watch him face off against top seed Joshua Liendo in the 100 Butterfly. Liendo, who took home a silver medal in the event at the 2024 Paris Games, will be a tough competitor – setting the stage for an exciting race.
Competitor Swim x NCAA
Another thing to keep an eye on during this year’s NCAA Championships? Competitor lane lines! Competitor lane lines have been used in NCAA Swimming Championships for 10 years, including the past four years as part of our official partnership with the NCAA.
“We are proud to provide the best lane lines in the market for all levels of the NCAA Championships. It is a big commitment, but one that means so much to our Competitor team,” says Competitor President, Brad Underwood.
Since 1960, Competitor Swim® has been the leader in the production of racing lanes and other swim products for competitions around the world. Competitor lane lines have been used in countless NCAA Championships, as well as 10 of the past 13 Olympic Games. Molded and assembled using U.S. – made components, Competitor lane lines are durable, easy to set up and are sold through distributors and dealers worldwide.
