Virginia’s Star Swimmer Sets a New Standard with Historic Achievements
Gretchen Walsh, a senior swimmer at the University of Virginia, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Honda Sport Award for Swimming & Diving. This prestigious honor marks her second consecutive year receiving the award, an achievement that further cements her status as one of the most accomplished collegiate swimmers in history. Walsh’s stellar performance in the pool and her extensive list of records have made her a standout figure in NCAA athletics.
The Honda Sport Award is presented annually to the top female athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports, and Walsh’s win signifies her place among the best of the best in collegiate swimming. The award is determined by a nationwide vote of administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools, making it a highly coveted recognition.
A Year of Unmatched Dominance
Walsh’s second win of the Honda Sport Award highlights her continued excellence in the pool. In 2025, she notched an impressive seven NCAA titles, which included individual victories in the 50 Free, 100 Free, and 100 Fly. These victories brought her career total to 25 NCAA Championship titles, including nine individual titles, a testament to her versatility and dominance across various events.
Moreover, Walsh achieved perfection in relay events, going an unblemished 16-for-16 in NCAA relay competitions during her four years at Virginia. Her remarkable consistency has made her a cornerstone of Virginia’s swimming program and has propelled the team to their fifth consecutive NCAA team title.
Her achievements at the NCAA level, however, are only part of the story. Walsh’s influence on the global stage is equally impressive. She has set 11 world records, including nine individual records and two relay records, showcasing her prowess in short-course swimming. At the 2024 World Aquatics 25m Championships, she was named the Best Female Swimmer, taking home seven world titles and adding to her growing legacy.
A Storied Career with Global Recognition
Walsh’s success is not confined to NCAA competition. At the 2024 Olympic Games, she earned four medals, including two gold and two silver, solidifying her status as one of the top swimmers in the world. She also posted two world records and an Olympic record during the Games, further proving her dominance on the world stage.
Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including being named the 2024 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame’s Steve Guback Sportsperson of the Year. Additionally, she was honored as the ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for Swimming & Diving, highlighting not only her athletic excellence but also her academic achievements.
The Legacy of a Champion
Walsh’s win of the Honda Sport Award for Swimming & Diving is the ninth time a swimmer from Virginia has claimed this honor, and it marks the fourth consecutive year that a Virginia swimmer has won the accolade. She joins a prestigious group of athletes, including Dawn Staley (1991-92) and Kate Douglass (2022-23), as the only Virginia athletes to have won the award twice. Staley, who went on to become one of the most successful coaches in NCAA basketball, is the only Cavalier to have won the Honda Cup, the top award for female student-athletes across all sports.
The recognition of Walsh’s excellence comes as no surprise given her tremendous achievements, both at the collegiate level and on the international stage. She has set a high bar for future generations of swimmers, demonstrating the work ethic, talent, and drive needed to succeed at the highest levels of competition.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
With her collegiate career nearing its conclusion, Walsh’s future in swimming looks incredibly promising. As she continues to break records and take home titles, there’s little doubt that she will remain a dominant force in the sport. Whether she’s competing at the World Championships or preparing for the next Olympic Games, Walsh’s influence on the swimming world is undeniable.
The 2025 Honda Sport Award is just another milestone in what promises to be a career filled with continued success. As she looks toward her next challenges, Walsh’s legacy as one of the greatest collegiate swimmers of all time is already secured. Her contributions to the sport, both in and out of the pool, will continue to inspire swimmers for years to come.
