Penn Women’s Swimming: A Legacy of Distance and a Bright Future
The University of Pennsylvania women’s swimming and diving team continues to build on a remarkable tradition of excellence in distance freestyle, recently highlighted by the All-American performances of seniors Sydney Bergstrom and Anna Moehn at the 2026 NCAA Division I championships.
All-American Achievements at the NCAA Championships
Bergstrom and Moehn’s achievements at the NCAA championships represent a continuation of the Quakers’ success in distance events. Bergstrom finished 12th in the 1650-yard freestyle, improving significantly from her 36th-place finish the previous year. Moehn secured 16th place in the same event, a jump from her 21st-place finish in 2025. Both earned second-team All-American honors.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The success of Bergstrom and Moehn adds to a growing list of All-Americans in program history, now totaling four distance freestyle specialists: Bergstrom, Moehn, Anna Kalandadze, and Catherine Buroker. This achievement underscores the program’s commitment to developing talent in these events.
A Seven-Year Streak of NCAA Representation
Penn’s consistent presence at the NCAA championships in distance freestyle is noteworthy. This year marks the seventh consecutive season that at least one Quaker distance freestyle swimmer has competed on the national stage. This sustained success is a testament to the program’s coaching and recruiting efforts.
Inspired by Penn’s Swimming History
Coach Mike Schnur frequently shares stories of Penn swimming legends with current athletes. Graduates like Virginia Burns, a four-time Ivy League champion in the 500-yard free, and Shelby Fortin, a seven-time Ivy League individual champion and Penn Athletics Hall of Famer, serve as inspiration. Bergstrom and Moehn now join these athletes in etching their names into Penn’s swimming history.
Overcoming Challenges and Team Support
The journey to the NCAA championships wasn’t without its hurdles. Bergstrom and Moehn initially prepared for the meet without their coaches, as the men’s team competed at Ivy League championships and other team members were at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships. They later received support from sophomore Watson Nguyen and junior Peter Whittington, who are preparing for the men’s championships.
A Record-Breaking Season for the Quakers
The women’s team concluded a remarkable season, setting 16 new pool records and five program records. They also achieved their highest-ever finish at the Ivy League championships, taking second place. This success demonstrates the team’s overall strength and depth.
Moehn’s Unexpected Journey
Anna Moehn’s story is particularly inspiring. She didn’t initially plan to specialize in distance freestyle but excelled in the 500 and 1650 free throughout her collegiate career, medaling at Ivies in both events each season.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Penn Women’s Swimming
The legacy of distance freestyle at Penn is secure, but the program’s future looks bright. The continued success of the women’s team, combined with the dedication of its athletes and coaches, suggests that the Quakers will remain a force in collegiate swimming for years to come.
FAQ
Q: How many All-Americans has Penn had in distance freestyle?
A: Four – Sydney Bergstrom, Anna Moehn, Anna Kalandadze, and Catherine Buroker.
Q: How long has Penn had a swimmer compete at the NCAA championships in distance freestyle?
A: Seven consecutive seasons.
Q: What was the team’s best finish at the Ivy League championships?
A: Second place.
Did you know? Chris Swanson, a 2016 Wharton graduate, won Penn swimming and diving’s first NCAA title in the 1650 free.
Pro Tip: Consistent training and a strong team environment are key to success in distance swimming.
Desire to learn more about the Penn Women’s Swimming and Diving team? Visit the official Penn Athletics website.
