The Eagle women’s swim team continued to dominate the opposition in 2008-09, and boasted a first in the history of the very successful program – the first undefeated dual meet season ever at UMW. The Eagles went 8-0 on the year, with wins over Washington & Lee University and Gettysburg College in addition to a spotless CAC schedule. UMW remained as the premier program in the Capital Athletic Conference, winning an unprecedented 19th consecutive conference championship in March, and saw sophomore Sarah Crockett gain All-America honors at the NCAA Division III Championships.
The Eagles opened the season by placing fifth against NCAA Division I competition at the Potomac Valley Relays hosted by American University. After dual meet victories over Washington & Lee, Salisbury, Gallaudet, and York, the Eagles entered winter break with a head of steam, turning in numerous top times at the University of Maryland Terrapin Invitational in late November.
UMW prepared for the championship season with a week-long trip to Florida, and the work paid off, as the Eagles easily defeated the remainder of its dual-meet opponents en route to an 8-0 season record, the first unblemished record in school history.
The Eagles again flexed their muscles at the Capital Athletic Conference Championships, claiming their 19th straight league crown, and remained as the only program to ever win the league title. The Eagles shattered 11 conference records en route to ten NCAA provisional qualifying times, with Crockett automatically qualifying in two events.
Swimming in three events at the national championships, Crockett took fifth place in the championship final of the 200 yard freestyle to gain her first All-America honor. In addition, she swam the 100 and 500 yard freestyle during the competition.
The Eagles lose four seniors to graduation in Mallory Cruise, Lindsay McClelland, Mikey Pride, and Melanie Stone, but with another talented incoming class joining the proven championship-caliber returnees, the Eagles will look to return in 2010 with even more record-breaking times and NCAA Championship cuts.