WASHINGTON – Richmond is predicted to defend its Atlantic 10 Women’s Swimming and Diving title according to the preseason poll that was released on Friday. The league’s 10 coaches voted on the preseason poll.  

After four straight years of George Washington dominance, the Richmond Spiders took the crown and enter the 2026-27 as the favorites to do it again. They received 94 points in the voting, including eight first place votes. Led by 2026 Coach of the Year Matt Barnay, the Spiders look primed for another strong season with championship aspirations.

The Revolutionaries place second with 87 points. Reigning Most Outstanding Rookie winner Talya Erdogan returns to help George Washington reclaim the title. She placed second in the 1650 freestyle and third in the 500 freestyle in last year’s championship and will look to build off that for the coming season.

The only other first place vote-getter are the Duquesne Dukes, who received two first place nods in the poll. Junior Sierra Snow makes her return after claiming gold in the 200 backstroke in February.

Fordham ranks fourth with 66 points, while La Salle (53), George Mason (43), and St. Bonaventure (40) are not far behind. The Bonnies are being led by the newly hired Alec Kandt for the 2026-27 season. Rhode Island (36), Davidson (32), and Saint Louis (14) round out the rankings.

The 2027 Swimming and Diving Championship will begin February 17 and conclude on February 20 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. Richmond - 94 (8)
2. George Washington - 87
3. Duquesne - 85 (2)
4. Fordham - 66
5. La Salle - 53
6. George Mason - 43
7. St. Bonaventure - 40
8. Rhode Island - 36
9. Davidson - 32
10. Saint Louis - 14