The Yale swim and dive teams are set to kick off their season with two challenging meets against Brown University and Columbia University this week. The men’s squad begins its campaign on November 16, 2023, in Rhode Island, followed by a competition in New York against Columbia on November 18, 2023. This back-to-back schedule presents a unique opportunity for the Bulldogs to test their mettle in a competitive environment that mimics the pressures of championship meets.
Noah Millard, a member of the men’s team, shared insights on the challenges of traveling for competitions. “With travel, hotels, different food and schedules, there are a lot more variables to control when on the road,” Millard explained. He noted the importance of this experience as a precursor to major events like the Ivy League Championships and NCAA meets. The Bulldogs are currently seeking their first away victory against Brown, having a historical advantage of 3-2 in their last five encounters, with all wins occurring at home.
In contrast, Columbia has had the upper hand against Yale, maintaining a 4-1 record over the past five years. However, the Bulldogs broke a four-year losing streak against Columbia last season, achieving a decisive 209-91 victory at home. “We only get two opportunities over four years to compete at their venues, so it’s always nice to go somewhere new and aim for a win in their home pool,” said Konstantinos Zachariadis, another member of the team.
The women’s team is also gearing up for a significant matchup against Columbia after a closely contested meet against Brown. In that meet, Yale’s Captain Jessey Li excelled, winning both the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke events. Grace Wu triumphed in the 1-meter dive with a score of 266.33, and Angela Wang secured her first individual collegiate victory in the 200-yard butterfly. Despite these successes, the Bulldogs fell to the Bears, 140-160.
On November 17, 2023, the women’s team will host Columbia at the Kiphuth Exhibition Pool for their home opener. Historically, Yale has dominated this rivalry, winning all five of their last matchups. Li expressed her anticipation for the upcoming meet, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. “The excitement comes from performing as a team — hitting our best performances and supporting each other in every event,” she stated.
Both teams have been rigorously training since the beginning of the academic year, practicing six days a week, often with two sessions per day, lasting two to three hours each. Zachariadis praised the leadership of team captains Alex Hazlett and Jessey Li, who have helped set a positive tone for the squad. “Our goal this year is to win, so from day one, it was just practice and hard work,” he noted.
As the season progresses, team cohesion and a sense of community continue to grow. Millard reflected on his experience as a senior, noting the team’s evolution and the supportive environment. “People are humble and accept feedback, feeling supported by all of those around them,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, both the men’s and women’s teams will compete together at the Ohio Invitational on November 18, 2023. Li highlighted the team’s spirit, stating, “Our team strength this year is our depth and our heart. This team is hungry, united, and really believes in what we can accomplish together.”
The men’s meet against Brown begins on November 16 at 17:00 in Rhode Island, while the women’s race against Columbia starts on November 17 at 16:00 at the Kiphuth Exhibition Pool.
