LEXINGTON, VA – "It's special and hopefully it's the first of many to come."
Bryant swimming and diving head coach
Katie Cameron has experienced a great deal of 'firsts' in her 21 years leading the program. This past weekend might be one of the most special of them all as the Bryant women's swimming and diving team became the first women's team at Bryant to capture an America East Championship as it outscored defending champion New Hampshire by 115 points.
"This championship is a proud moment for Bryant University and is a testament to the strength, perseverance, and unity of our women's swimming & diving team," Bryant University President Ross Gittell said."Their commitment to excellence embodies the very best of our student-athlete experience. I am grateful to Coach Cameron, her staff, and every member of the team for elevating our community with this historic achievement. We look forward to building on the momentum they have created for Bryant."
It marked the program's sixth conference title, all under Cameron's tutelage, and sends the nine-member senior class out on the highest of notes. This class joined the Bulldogs as freshmen in 2022-23 as the Bulldogs were coming off a fifth-straight Northeast Conference title but were now moving into the America East. The Bulldogs took second in 2023, third in 2024 and second to New Hampshire in 2025.
Bryant flipped the script this winter behind America East Most Outstanding Swimmer
Ruby Tonelli-Smith and America East Most Outstanding Diver
Megan Beasley. Tonelli-Smith won three of Bryant's five individual gold medals and helped the 200 and 400 medley relays take home gold. Beasley enjoyed the best meet of her career, winning gold in the 3 meter and silver in the 1 meter.
"I am so proud of our women's swimming and diving student-athletes and coaching staff for winning the America East Championship," Vice President Recreation and Athletics Bill Smith said. "This group has proven to be, year in and year out, one of the hardest working and most prepared teams and it was incredibly special to see that dedication rewarded with a championship."
In total, Bryant won seven gold medals, five silver medals and five bronze medals.
TONE SETTER
- Tonelli-Smith's debut at the championships in 2025 included a gold in the 100 fly but also a ninth-place finish in the 200 IM.
- Her encore was a smashing success as she won gold in the 100 fly and 200 fly and rebounded to the win the 200 IM by nearly a half second.
- Tonelli-Smith's performance also included two relay golds, with the 200 medley relay smashing school, conference, meet and pool records.
BEAST ON THE BOARDS
- Beasley had qualified for NCAA Zones in each of her first two years at Bryant but she was still searching for championship recognition.
- She enjoyed success in the 1 meter at championships, winning gold in 2024 and silver in 2025.
- This year, Beasley went to another level, winning her first gold in the 3 meter. She added a silver in the 1 meter as Bryant dominated on the boards.
MEDALISTS
- In addition to Tonelli-Smith and Beasley, Bryant had seven other individuals win medals at the championships.
- Jocie Niemcyzk won gold in the 100 breast, silver in the 200 breast and bronze in the 200 IM.
- Clara Steen earned a silver in the 100 back and a bronze in the 100 fly.
- Katherin Bailey picked up a silver in the 500 free.
- Molly Gordon joined Beasley on the podium in the 3 meter.
- Elise Richardson claimed her first medal - a bronze - on the final day of the championships.
- Amanda Witkus added a silver medal in the 200 fly, finishing second behind Tonelli-Smith.
PERSONAL BESTS
