Duke Swim and Dive Shines Bright: Breaking Records and Earning ACC Hardware in Another Unforgettable Season in the Pool

It was another impressive year in the pool for Duke swim and dive, one defined by continued growth, relentless effort, and historic results. While the season’s dual meet schedule was stacked with difficult opponents from across the ACC and beyond, the Blue Devils didn’t flinch. Instead, they rose to the occasion time and again, matching skill with determination and showcasing the kind of resilience that defines elite collegiate programs. In a sport where hundredths of a second can determine the difference between medals and missed opportunities, Duke swimmers and divers etched their names into the record books with performances that won’t soon be forgotten.

Throughout the 2024–25 season, Duke was led by a talented and experienced group of upperclassmen, complemented by a dynamic group of underclassmen and first-year student-athletes who proved ready for the spotlight. That blend of seasoned leadership and fresh enthusiasm helped power the Blue Devils through a series of closely contested meets, many of which were decided in the final events. While the win-loss tally in dual meets may not have favored Duke in every instance, the trajectory of the program continues to move in a direction that commands respect. The Blue Devils didn’t just compete—they left their mark.

The most tangible evidence of Duke’s upward momentum came in the form of record-breaking performances. Over the course of the season, Duke athletes shattered 10 program records, setting new standards in both individual and relay events. These weren’t just marginal improvements, either. Many of the new marks were substantial drops from previous bests, showing how the athletes are evolving not just in strength and speed, but also in their ability to rise to big moments.

In the pool, Duke’s sprinters made especially loud statements. Whether it was in the 50-yard freestyle or the 100-yard butterfly, Blue Devil swimmers demonstrated that they could hang with the best in the ACC. One of the season’s defining moments came at a midseason invitational meet, where Duke’s men’s and women’s squads combined to rewrite multiple relay records in the same weekend. The cohesion, the discipline in exchanges, and the sheer power through the water were all signs of a team clicking at the right time.

Duke’s distance swimmers also made their presence felt, taking on grueling events like the 500, 1000, and 1650-yard freestyles with remarkable stamina and pacing. Their contributions were often the backbone of meet victories and comeback efforts, setting the tone for the rest of the lineup. The backstroke and breaststroke events were no less impactful, with several swimmers making significant time drops compared to the previous season. Technical improvements, paired with elite-level training and strategy, played a key role in those breakthroughs.

Diving, as always, proved to be a major asset for Duke. On both the 1-meter and 3-meter boards, as well as platform diving, Blue Devil athletes delivered clutch performances that often tipped the scales in close meets. The divers’ consistency and fearlessness, especially in high-pressure situations, gave Duke an edge over programs with less depth on the boards. More than a few dual meets swung in Duke’s favor because of strong diving sessions that built momentum heading into the swim events.

But while the regular season told a compelling story, it was at the ACC Championships that Duke made its biggest statement. Facing a loaded field of conference powerhouses, the Blue Devils didn’t back down. They stepped up. Multiple swimmers advanced to the championship finals in their respective events, turning in lifetime bests under the brightest lights of the season. One standout athlete posted a program-record performance in the 200-yard individual medley, not only claiming All-ACC honors but also earning a spot on the national radar heading into the NCAA Championships.

Several relay teams, including the men’s 400-yard freestyle and women’s 200-yard medley, delivered season-defining swims at the ACC Championships. Precision, chemistry, and explosive power helped those squads earn valuable points and national qualifying standards. In diving, Duke athletes once again rose to the challenge, claiming hardware and solidifying their place among the best in the conference. A freshman diver made headlines by qualifying for finals on both springboards, signaling the start of what could be a historic college career.

By the end of the ACC Championships, Duke had collected multiple podium finishes, broken several more school records, and sent a clear message that the program is not content with middle-of-the-pack status. They want to be contenders—both in the conference and nationally—and their performance in Greensboro this year brought them one step closer to that goal.

For head coach Dan Colella and his staff, the success of the season reflects years of hard work, smart recruiting, and a commitment to athlete development. Under Colella’s leadership, Duke has evolved from a plucky underdog to a respected threat, capable of producing top-level talent and competing against the sport’s traditional powerhouses. Assistant coaches and support staff deserve their share of the credit as well, particularly in their efforts to build a culture of accountability, support, and high expectations. Athletes don’t just improve at Duke—they thrive.

Behind the scenes, the program’s attention to detail has been a major factor in its success. Strength and conditioning plans are tailored to each athlete, recovery and nutrition are prioritized, and the team has embraced sports science to maximize performance. Mental toughness and preparation are just as important, and Duke’s swimmers and divers have leaned into the psychological aspects of competition with the same intensity they bring to the weight room and the pool deck.

Looking ahead, the future is bright for Duke swim and dive. With a strong core of returning athletes and another promising recruiting class set to arrive in the fall, the Blue Devils are poised to continue climbing the ACC and NCAA ranks. The foundation is firmly in place, and the momentum from this past season will carry into offseason training and the buildup to 2025–26.

But for now, this past season deserves to be celebrated. From the opening whistle of the first dual meet to the last medal presentation at the ACC Championships, Duke swimmers and divers represented the university with pride, passion, and purpose. They pushed themselves and each other to new heights, and in doing so, they elevated the program as a whole.

In a sport that often rewards incremental progress, Duke took giant leaps forward this season. The broken records, the ACC hardware, and the competitive grit on display are more than just bullet points on a recap—they’re a reflection of the standard being set in Durham. The Blue Devils may still be chasing their first team title at the conference or national level, but with the performances turned in this year, that dream is more realistic than ever. And if history is any guide, it won’t be long before Duke swim and dive turns that dream into a reality.