Davidson College Athletics
Atlantic 10
Wildcats Excited For A-10 Championship Opportunity
4/13/2021 12:17:00 PM | Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving, Swimming & Diving
There's the challenge, the excitement, the competition and the camaraderie, and, on the most basic level, a sign of normalcy to have a championship in the most unusual and uncertain year of all.
"We're traveling … as a team … for a meet," says Davidson coach John Young. "In a way, it feels like we've already won. The world has been through a lot since our last A-10 championship competition, and I am just so grateful for the team to have a chance to perform. I'm so proud of their resilience and attitude, and I'm even grateful for the dark spots that help us appreciate the light and grow. 
Whatever happens this week, I'm thankful that Davidson worked hard to keep us on campus and allowed us to stay in the water. We've seen flashes of really exciting things in these last couple months. If the Wildcats allow themselves to enjoy the moment, I think they are prepared to represent Davidson well."
"I think I speak for the entire team in that we are so thankful to have this opportunity," says senior Sarah Helen Shepherd, a two-event winner at last year's meet. "Obviously, it is going to look different compared to previous years, but we are excited to have the opportunity to not only showcase our training but also to race and have fun. We have watched other conferences cancel their championship meet, so we are just grateful the A-10 is taking all the necessary precautions to make it a safe environment."
"Although there will be far fewer people on deck this year, I think our level of excitement for competing in-person will create a great environment at the pool," says senior Graham Harris.
One challenge to preparation has been the lack of meets on the 2020-21 schedule. The Wildcats have held a number of intrasquad events, competed in a remote meet with William & Mary on March 6 and hosted UNCW in Cannon Pool on March 19. But there weren't any early-season duals or the winter championships, which are part of the typical build-up to conference championship season.
"There are a number of factors that go into preparing for a meet like this with little competition," says senior Mitchell Stanek. "I would say foremost among them has been our focus on creating a race-like atmosphere at Saturday practices."
In other words, it's been up to the Wildcats to compete with and push other Wildcats. They've spent many Saturday practices "going off the blocks" to simulate meet conditions, even if everyone has been wearing the same swim cap.
"The fact that we are able to continuously do so well in practices right now makes me very optimistic for our overall performances," says Shelby Stanley, last year's A-10 Most Outstanding Rookie Performer. "I hope that we can all keep a good mindset and remember how much of an excitement it is to even be there! We have already put in the months of hard work, so now it's just the fun part left."
Looking back
Last year's A-10 championships were held Feb. 19-22, and the Wildcats turned in a pair of fifth-place team finishes and numerous memorable performances, winning four events and setting nine school records.
Shepherd took home gold in the 400 IM (4:14.81) and finished 1-2 with Stanley in the 200 IM with a time of 1:58.99.
Siena Senn, now a junior, won the 500 freestyle, becoming just the second Wildcat female to break 4:50 in the event (4:49.72), and Stanley finished the meet with five medals en route to the top rookie honor.
Diver Daniel Valmassei won the men's one-meter competition (310.65) and advanced to the NCAA Zones in Georgia, which were completed just before the sports shutdown, while other Zones were stopped in progress.
The Wildcats have had a long time to process their past accomplishments and think about the future, and now that future is finally present. It's time for the 2021 A-10 Championships.
"Competing at this year's championship is maybe one of the first signs that things are going back to normal," says Valmassei, now a senior. "After a challenge-filled year, I'm excited to see our hard work pay off."
Players Mentioned
