As ESPN is prone to do, the network has been running the commercials for its new television drama, "TILT," on a continuous stream for about a month now. The show's catch phrase thus far has become, "It's time to get out of the kiddy pool and start making some moves." For the Virginia swimming program, the floaties are off and it's time to dive in.
The Cavaliers travel to Gainesville, Fla. tonight to take on perennial swimming powerhouse Florida. The Gator men are currently ranked No. 3 in the country with the women positioned slightly higher at No. 2. Both Florida teams have consistently battled for national titles in recent years, with neither squad finishing outside the top eight at the NCAA championships in the last four seasons.
"We've got to be prepared for a team that is historically 30, 40, 50 years of national power," Virginia coach Mark Bernardino said. "We wanted to upgrade our schedule. We go down there knowing we are the underdogs. We want to see how we stack up."
Competing in the Southeastern Conference, Florida is no stranger to difficult dual meets. Last Saturday, the Gator men swam against the No. 1 Auburn Tigers while the women faced off against their No. 2 women's team. Both Gator squads ended up losing to their higher-seeded conference-mates, but they remain a daunting foe for a confident Virginia team. Florida rebounded quickly after its losses to Auburn by defeating the men and women of Alabama the following afternoon.
As if the challenge before them wasn't difficult enough, the Cavaliers will be shorthanded when they hit the water tonight. Because of budgetary limitations, Virginia is unable to fly the entire team to meets of this distance. This fact alone, however, cannot derail the positive attitude the Cavaliers have carried with them this far into the season.
"We have three monster meets in a row," senior Luke Anderson said. "And the later you get in the season, the more excited you get to swim fast. That kind of overcomes the physical limitations."
Virginia swimming has finished at or just outside the top 10 nationally in recent seasons. This weekend's meet should provide the Cavaliers with a chance to measure themselves with one of the best the country has to offer -- a challenge they welcome with open arms.
"It gives us an opportunity to swim against a great program," Bernardino said.
Regardless of this weekend's result, the Cavaliers have to be pleased with their performances thus far. A perfect conference record, coupled with multiple NCAA qualifying times for both teams, have the Cavaliers in great position to place higher at the NCAAs than ever before.
"Virginia swimming has never had an undefeated season," Anderson said. "We just want to keep it rolling."
After Florida, the Cavaliers fly back home to compete against ACC rivals Duke and Maryland next weekend at the Aquatic & Fitness Center. But for now, Virginia has an opportunity to not only continue a historic run, but to show the country that the Cavaliers are a team to be reckoned with.
Read More
Seven Cavaliers, one recruit selected in 2025 MLB Draft
By Emory Huffman | YesterdayThe draft process went swimmingly for Virginia.
From debilitating illness to Grand Slam main draw: Chris Rodesch’s story
By Margaret Piatos | 2 days agoChris Rodesch's torrid run has been an inspiring summer story.
Virginia reloads with a new leader, an emphasis on fundamentals and … bowling?
By Xander Tilock | July 10, 2025The new leader of Virginia men's basketball, and some players, offered an inside look at offseason plans.
