Golden Bears Conclude Fall Season with Strong Showing at Minnesota Invitational
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The No. 6 University of California womenS swimming and diving team wrapped up its fall schedule at the Minnesota Invitational, December 6-8, 2023, showcasing both established talent and promising newcomers. The invitational served as a key competition before the spring championship season, providing valuable racing experience against a competitive field.
Cal finished strong, building on a 2024-25 season that saw the team place eighth at the 2025 NCAA Championships – their best finish in three years - and fourth at the ACC Championships in their inaugural season in the conference.The Bears accrued 16 All-American certificates at the NCAA meet and set a school record in the 200-yard medley relay. Senior Leah Polonsky led the team with two top-five finishes at NCAAs, scoring 38 points, the third-highest total by a Cal women’s swimmer in the last decade. Isabelle Stadden also concluded a distinguished career with Spieker Aquatics Complex records in the 100 and 200 backstroke.
The team’s roster features highly-ranked recruits poised to contribute immediately, including Teagan O’Dell (No. 2), Claire Weinstein (No. 3),Annie Jia (No. 5), Elle Scott (No. 12), and Ella Cosgrove (No. 18). O’Dell’s times already qualify for the NCAA A final in the 200 IM, 200 backstroke, and 200 freestyle, while Weinstein earned a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics as a leg on the 800-freestyle relay team. Jia excels in the 100 butterfly and 100 freestyle, and Scott is the fastest 100 breaststroker in her class. Cosgrove demonstrates potential in the 200 and 500 freestyle.
Fans can follow the Cal women’s swimming & diving team on X (@CalWSwim) and Instagram (@calwswim) for continued coverage.
