BU Swimming and Diving Teams Head to Patriot League Championships at Navy

Terriers prepared for the biggest meet of the year

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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BU's men's and women's swimming and diving teams are competing in the 2026 Patriot League Swimming and Diving Championships February 18 to 21 at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The Terriers are looking to build on a strong season, with the women's team aiming for a top-three finish and the men's team targeting a top-four result.

Why it matters

The Patriot League Championships represent the biggest meet of the year for the BU swimming and diving programs. A strong performance could lead to individual and team titles, as well as set the stage for future success.

The details

The women's team, led by senior Haley Newman, is an extremely young squad this season with 10 freshmen. However, the team has had an "incredible season" and is the fastest BU has had in a long time. The men's team is also poised for a strong showing, with standouts like Tony Ponomarev and Giovanni Sullo looking to compete for podium finishes.

  • The Patriot League Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Championships began on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The championships conclude on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Haley Newman

A senior on the BU women's swimming team who won the 200-meter butterfly at the 2022 Patriot League Championships and is looking to defend her title.

James Sica

The head coach of both the BU men's and women's swimming and diving programs, who is focused on maximizing the potential of his athletes.

Tony Ponomarev

A member of the BU men's swimming team who set the school record in the 200-meter backstroke in November and is expected to compete for the podium in that event and the 200-meter medley relay.

Giovanni Sullo

A member of the BU men's swimming team who holds the school record in the mile and is the top seed in that event heading into the championships.

Molly Barber, Danka Ndubuisi, Kiki Rampersad, and Lily Osborn

A group of four BU women's swimmers who broke a school record in the 200-meter freestyle relay in October and are expected to be major contributors at the championships.

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What they’re saying

“The goal going into this meet is to just soak in the good times with my team, as opposed to letting the pressure creep up on me.”

— Haley Newman, Senior, BU Women's Swimming (bu.edu)

“Records will be broken and I think quite a few medals will be handed out to us. I'm really excited to see that.”

— Haley Newman, Senior, BU Women's Swimming (bu.edu)

“We're going to get better, and our team standing is going to improve. We're going to win events, and we're going to be on the podium. It's going to be awesome.”

— James Sica, Head Coach, BU Swimming and Diving (bu.edu)

“It's almost like they make us young again.”

— Haley Newman, Senior, BU Women's Swimming (bu.edu)

“The vibe surrounding the teams is 'electric'.”

— Tony Ponomarev, Junior, BU Men's Swimming (bu.edu)

What’s next

The Patriot League Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Championships will conclude on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The takeaway

The BU swimming and diving teams are poised for strong performances at the Patriot League Championships, with the women's team aiming for a top-three finish and the men's team targeting a top-four result. The Terriers have set numerous school records this season and are looking to build on their success and compete for individual and team titles.