Cannonball! UVA President and Athletic Director Take Celebratory Dips in the Pool

March 31, 2021 • By Whitelaw Reid, wdr4d@virginia.edu Whitelaw Reid, wdr4d@virginia.edu

Who needs a Speedo? Certainly not University of Virginia President Jim Ryan or Director of Athletics Carla Williams.

On Tuesday afternoon at Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ Aquatic and Fitness Center, Ryan and Williams celebrated the Cavalier women’s swimming team’s first NCAA championship by taking part in the sport-wide tradition of jumping into the pool.

Fully clothed – and masked! – Ryan and Williams took turns cannonballing.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The duo’s afternoon dip drew proud responses on social media from Hoos around the world.

Since swimmers compete year-round, they still have practice – but suffice it to say they won’t forget Tuesday’s.

Here’s how everything unfolded through the eyes of UVA Today photographer Sanjay Suchak:

Jim Ryan talking to the womens swimming team who gathered around him
Jim Ryan speaking to swim team
Swim team gathered in a circle listening to the coach speak
Jim Ryan Cannon balling into the swimming pool
UVA Womens swimming team and Jim Ryan arm and arm making a circle in the pool
Swimm team gathered together holding their ACC Trophy with President Jim Ryan