The Stanford women’s swimming & diving team has reversed its decision to leave a day and a half early from their first ACC Championship meet. Initially planned to depart due to long travel hours and academic load concerns, the team will now stay for the entirety of the event.
This change came after the ACC conference office became involved, with Commissioner Jim Phillips reportedly being “furious” at the decision. Stanford plans to arrive on Monday and leave on Sunday, adding excitement to what is expected to be an electric meet.
The ACC Championship will feature a star-studded lineup, including four-time defending NCAA Champion Virginia women’s team, SMU Mustangs, and 2024 Pac-12 Champions Cal. The conference now includes five of the top 11 teams from last year’s NCAA Championship meet.
Stanford has won 11 NCAA Championships in women’s swimming & diving, led by six-time Olympic medalist Torri Huske. The team will compete against #6 Louisville, #9 NC State, and other top-ranked teams in a highly anticipated event.
The ACC has also faced criticism over officiating in recent years, with some calling for improved rules and better officials. Commissioner Phillips has pledged to address these concerns, ensuring that the meet is free from controversy.
In related news, there has been speculation about Stanford’s future conference alignment. Some have suggested that joining the Mountain West would reduce travel costs for student-athletes, but it remains to be seen whether this would be feasible given the complexities of conference realignment.
Source: https://swimswam.com/stanford-women-will-stay-for-the-entire-acc-swimming-championships-afterall