The Princeton University women’s swimming and diving team concluded a historic showing at the 2025 NCAA Championships at Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way, Washington from March 19–22. This championship was highlighted by All-American Honorable Mentions for sophomores Eleanor Sun and Dakota Tucker in the 400 Individual Medley (IM) — the program’s first All-Americans since 2014. This marks the first time since 2010 that Princeton has had multiple All-Americans in a single season.
“Eleanor and I have been by each other's side ever since we both joined Princeton, and I am grateful that we both got to experience this achievement together!” Tucker wrote to The Daily Princetonian.
Strong Performances Across the Board
The competition kicked off with the 800-yard freestyle relay on Wednesday, where junior Sabrina Johnston, first-year Jenna Walters, junior Heidi Smithwick, and Sun posted a time of 7:06.40, finishing in 24th place.
On Thursday, Sun placed 20th in the 200 IM prelims, clocking in at 1:55.91, while Smithwick competed in the 500-yard freestyle prelims, finishing with a time of 4:47.44 in 59th place.
In diving, junior Charlotte Martinkus placed 33rd in the 1M event with a score of 252.35 and 39th in the 3M event with a score of 264.80.
Martinkus shared with the ‘Prince’ that the challenge going into a meet so late in the season is difficulty staying “strong and clear-headed going into competitions when you have done so many throughout the season. But the fact that it is the last one is what gives you the power to get through it. Besides the fatigue, the adrenaline of the environment and being so close to such amazing divers was energizing and extremely exciting.”
Princeton wrapped up the day with a 200-yard freestyle relay team featuring Johnston, senior Ella Noble, sophomore Veronique Rossouw, and Smithwick, finishing in 1:29.46, which was good for 28th place.
Friday saw standout performances in the 400 IM prelims, with Sun and Tucker qualifying for the consolation finals with times of 4:06.01 and 4:07.07, respectively.
“The prelim swim that I had was a lifetime best,” Tucker wrote. “My mindset going into the final was just to go out there and have fun and enjoy the experience.”
“To be in the finals at NCAAs in the first place is an incredible achievement for any collegiate swimmer, but to be able to be in the final with your teammate and be next to them in that final is something very special,” she added.
In the finals, Sun placed 12th with 4:05.73, while Tucker secured 16th with 4:08.96, earning them All-American Honorable Mentions.
“The 400 IM is never the easiest race to get through, and I was definitely feeling it at finals.” Sun wrote to the ‘Prince.’ “I like to go out with easy speed in the [butter]fly, and then stay strong and arm-heavy in the backstroke. The difference maker in finals was definitely my freestyle — in the past year or two I have gained a lot of confidence in it and my ability to close a race.”
On Saturday, Tucker competed in the 200 breaststroke prelims, finishing in 51st place with a time of 2:12.97, while Sun swam in her third race alongside her teammate Smithwick in the 200 butterfly prelims, posting times of 1:55.94 and 1:55.80 respectively. Sun finished in 32nd place while Smithwick finished slightly ahead in 30th place.
“I’m a big believer in training for a broad range of events, because it keeps it interesting and helps the nerves to not focus too hard on one event,” Sun wrote to the ‘Prince.’ “During dual meets, I’m used to swimming three to four events in a short span of time.”
A Season to Remember
With the 2025 NCAA Championships in the books, Princeton concludes a historic season that saw the Tigers win their third consecutive Ivy League title, achieve multiple All-America honors, and set new program records. The Tigers will look to build on this momentum heading into next season, with their sights set on continued dominance in the Ivy League and beyond.
“I’m going to have a little break to reset now, but I think there’s always more to strive for,” Sun said. “I’m already excited to get back to work to reach higher goals both for myself and our team.”
Matthew Yi is an assistant Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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