George Washington Picked As Favorite in Women's Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll

9/24/2025 1:00:00 PM

WASHINGTON – George Washington is predicted to defend its four straight Atlantic 10 Women’s Swimming and Diving titles according to the preseason poll that was released on Wednesday. The league’s 10 coaches voted on the preseason poll.  

George Washington collected seven first place votes and 97 points for the first spot. Richmond received two first place votes for 90 points and second place. Duquesne received the final first place vote with 83 points and third in the preseason poll.  

The Revolutionaries won their fourth consecutive championship last year after collecting five gold medals. Olivia Paquette, who won back-to-back Most Outstanding Diver awards, returns. She won gold in the 1-meter dive while setting a program record and finished second in the 3-meter dive.  

Richmond finished second at the 2025 Women's Swimming and Diving Championship. The Spiders earned four gold medals and return Lena Amare. Amare was a member of the 200-yard medley relay team and 400-yard free relay team that won gold. She also finished fourth in the 200-yard IM and 100-yard free.   

Duquesne placed third at last year’s championship behind three first place finishes. Ashley Freel, the 2025 A-10 Most Outstanding Rookie, returns for Duquesne. She won gold in the 100-yard butterfly and earned silver in the 200-yard fly.  

Davidson had 59 points, Fordham had 57 points and George Mason had 51 points to finish fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively. La Salle tallied 40 points and St. Bonaventure collected 35 points to place seventh and eighth, respectively. Rhode Island and Saint Louis round out the poll. 

The 2026 Swimming and Diving Championship will begin February 18 and conclude on Febraury 21 at the Hampton Viriginia Aquaplex in Hampton, VA.    

Below is the complete Women’s Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll.  

Women’s Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll 

  1. George Washington (7) - 97 points 

  1. Richmond (2) - 90 points 

  1. Duquesne (1) - 83 points 

  1. Davidson – 59 points 

  1. Fordham – 57 points 

  1. George Mason – 51 points 

  1. La Salle – 40 points 

  1. St. Bonaventure – 35 points 

  1. Rhode Island – 28 points 

  1.  Saint Louis – 10 points