In its second Collegiate Swim League meet of the season, Virginia’s men’s and women’s swim teams traveled to Knoxville, Tenn. and left victorious. The men and women combined for 567 points, a victory margin of just 32 points over the No. 5 and No. 4 Tennessee men and women, respectively. Fourth-year Claire Curzan once again led the way for the women, while second-year Maximus Williamson improved upon his previous success at the league’s first meet. The pair were awarded female and male swimmers of the meet.
The Cavaliers became the first to clinch one of four spots in the championship meet Nov. 6. On top of Williamson and Curzan’s outstanding performances, Virginia combined to win 13 individual races in addition to a relay, Skins event and Super Skins relay. The Skins events are elimination-style events where winners of previous events select the stroke.
Curzan continued to lead the way on the women’s end, taking victories in three events including a 1:50.10 lifetime best in the 200 butterfly. She was aided by victories from third-year Anna Moesch, second-year Sara Curtis and third-year Katie Grimes.
In an early test against the No. 4 Volunteer women, who are likely to be competitors with Virginia throughout the NCAA and CSL season, Virginia leaned on Curzan while Curtis, Moesch, Grimes and other dominant swimmers continue to improve. Third-year Leah Hayes, for example, had a handful of strong second-place finishes in tight races — including the 200 IM, where she finished second by two tenths of a second.
On the men’s side, Williamson and others broke four CSL records in their six victories. After a strong showing against No. 7 NC State in their opening CSL meet, the Cavalier men looked strong against the No. 5-ranked Tennessee team.
It was a testament to Virginia’s strong second-year class, which has given the men’s program hope in matching their female counterpart’s success. Williamson and second-year Thomas Heilman combined for four of those six victories, including Williamson’s lifetime best 41.41 in the 100 freestyle. Third-year Spencer Nicholas also took a first place tie in the 100 IM in 47.13.
The trio also combined with first-year Alexandre Chalendar to win the 4x50 Super Skins relay.
With young talent showing promise Friday, the No. 10 Virginia men displayed then and at the CSL opener that it can stick with top-10 teams. In combination with the women, they become an unstoppable force.
Heading into its first dual meet of the season, where victories will be determined separately among the men and women, it will be crucial for Williamson, Heilman and other young swimmers to continue leading the way against No. 3 Florida, the highest-ranked competitor the Cavalier men will face in regular-season competition. A strong showing at home against a team that finished second at the 2026 NCAA Championships will certainly add to the growing strength of the men’s program.
On the women’s side, the home opener will begin with a celebration of Virginia’s 2026 National Championship — a reminder of where they are aiming to head again in 2027. Up against No. 10 Florida, Curzan and the entire team will take one small step in the long journey to win an unprecedented seventh national championship in a row.
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