Chicago, IL, November 22, 2025
The Washington University in St. Louis women’s swimming and diving team is currently in third place at the Phoenix Fall Classic, with 476.5 points after the first day’s events. The competition, held at the University of Chicago, includes teams from across the nation, providing valuable exposure as teams gear up for the championship season. Strong performances highlighted the day, including a fourth-place finish in the 200 Freestyle Relay. The Bears continue their campaign tomorrow with multiple events scheduled, aiming to capitalize on their current momentum.
Chicago, IL – The No. 12 Washington University in St. Louis women’s swimming and diving team stands in third place with 476.5 points following the first day of the 16th Annual Phoenix Fall Classic. The competition is taking place at the University of Chicago’s Myers-McLoraine Pool and spans three days, featuring some of the best collegiate swimming and diving teams in the nation.
The Bears are closely trailing behind the University of Chicago, which leads the meet with 481.5 points, and New York University, sitting at 733 points. This annual event provides valuable exposure and competitive experience for teams as they gear up for the championship season ahead.
High-Performance Highlights
Diving into the key performances of the day, Washington University showcased their talent across multiple events:
- 200 Freestyle Relay: The combination of first-year Ayaan Olasewere, senior Andrea Leng, sophomore Iris Qi, and junior Izzie Gattone clinched fourth place with an impressive NCAA B cut time of 1:34.53.
- 500 Freestyle: First-year Sarah Cohen finished sixth with a time of 5:00.92 while senior Ali Roche followed in seventh at 5:01.24.
- 200 Individual Medley (IM): Junior Rachel Bello earned ninth place with a time of 2:07.76.
- 50 Freestyle: Olasewere secured a tie for ninth place with a time of 24.01.
- 400 Medley Relay: The squad of juniors Elizabeth Chen, Hannah Lee, Peyton Watson, and Qi took third with a time of 3:46.42.
- Another relay team including Leng, first-year Eliana King, junior Kiera Johnson, and Cohen finished eighth in 3:54.32.
Looking Ahead
As the competition continues, the Bears will participate in several events tomorrow including the 400 Individual Medley, 100 Butterfly, 200 Freestyle, 100 Breaststroke, 100 Backstroke, and the 800 Freestyle Relay. With strong performances already exhibiting their potential, the team will look to leverage this momentum moving forward in the meet.
Context of the Phoenix Fall Classic
The Phoenix Fall Classic is not just a meet for showcasing speed and skill; it represents an opportunity for student-athletes to compete at a high level, fostering a sense of community and sports spirit. The event attracts significant attention, contributing to the visibility and prestige of collegiate swimming programs like Washington University.
Commitment to Excellence
Washington University in St. Louis is dedicated to maintaining its reputation for academic and athletic excellence. The women’s swimming and diving team routinely shines in national competitions, reflecting the institution’s commitment to developing well-rounded athletes who excel both in the classroom and in their sport.
Engagement Through Athletics
As local communities rally around their teams, student-athletes foster engagement and pride in their schools and cities. Supporting university athletics enriches both the sporting culture and the broader aspect of community involvement and growth.
Conclusion
The Washington University women’s swimming and diving team is well-positioned to make a significant impact at the Phoenix Fall Classic. As they continue to compete, local fans and supporters can look forward to remarkable performances that not only highlight athletic excellence but also underscore the importance of community support for collegiate sports.
FAQ Section
- What is the Phoenix Fall Classic?
- The Phoenix Fall Classic is a three-day collegiate swimming and diving meet featuring top teams from across the nation, hosted annually by the University of Chicago.
- Where is the Phoenix Fall Classic held?
- The meet is held at the University of Chicago’s Myers-McLoraine Pool in Chicago, Illinois.
- How did the WashU women’s swimming and diving team perform on the first day?
- The team is in third place with 476.5 points after the first day of competition.
- Who are the top performers for WashU on the first day?
- Notable performances include the 200 Freestyle Relay team finishing fourth with an NCAA B cut time of 1:34.53, and first-year Sarah Cohen placing sixth in the 500 Freestyle with a time of 5:00.92.
- What events are scheduled for the next day of the Phoenix Fall Classic?
- The upcoming events include the 400 Individual Medley, 100 Butterfly, 200 Freestyle, 100 Breaststroke, 100 Backstroke, and 800 Freestyle Relay.
| Event | WashU’s Finish | Time/Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 Freestyle Relay | 4th | 1:34.53 (NCAA B cut) | Team: Ayaan Olasewere, Andrea Leng, Iris Qi, Izzie Gattone |
| 500 Freestyle | 6th | 5:00.92 | Sarah Cohen |
| 500 Freestyle | 7th | 5:01.24 | Ali Roche |
| 200 Individual Medley | 9th | 2:07.76 | Rachel Bello |
| 50 Freestyle | Tied for 9th | 24.01 | Ayaan Olasewere |
| 400 Medley Relay | 3rd | 3:46.42 | Team: Elizabeth Chen, Hannah Lee, Peyton Watson, Iris Qi |
| 400 Medley Relay | 8th | 3:54.32 | Team: Andrea Leng, Eliana King, Kiera Johnson, Sarah Cohen |
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