Video produced by Coleman Hodges
Reported by Mitch Bowmile.
The University of California Golden Bears have won their first NCAA Championship title since 2012, taking down both Georgia and Stanford to win with 513 points.
Cal was absolutely dominant throughout the competition grabbing a total of four individual NCAA titles and taking gold in the 4×200 free and 200 medley relays. Missy Franklin was a huge part of the effort, taking home three individual NCAA titles as well as an American record in the 200 free where she became the first woman ever to break 1:40. Franklin was also just shy of the American record in the 200 IM and the 200 back.
Rachel Bootsma took home a title in the 100 back clocking in at 50.03 for the third fastest 100 back of all time. That swim re-established herself as one of the best backstrokers in the nation.
Cal, led by head coach Teri McKeever, is one of the top teams in the country and boasts both stars and overall depth. Cal showed absolute perseverance in their determination to establish themselves as the top team in the NCAA, and every swimmer on their roster helped to make the dream come true.
Congrats to coach McKeever.
And congrats to Missy for a stunning, amazing, super, great, insane, magic, fantastic meet.
What a superb way to finish your college career with a team title.
And I’m always amazed to see how this girl that I’ve watched develop since 2008 is so nice, polite, smart, funny, kind and so mature for her young age.
If only most of the soccer players could have at least 20% of her great attitude. 😆
I think the real unsung hero for Cal was Farida Osman. She made 3 A finals and had some huge relays swims. Cal also got 3 A finals out of Cierra Runge and Liz Pelton. How often does a team have 4 swimmers in 3 finals?
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As one of the “over 25 years ago” team members, I have to say the Bears were amazing to watch bot in and out of the pool. Way to Be Golden, Bears!!!