Chatham men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams found success this year under new head coach James Koval.
The teams started its Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Championships on Feb. 14 and ended on Feb. 17 at Grove City College, and took home some gold in the process.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to the season,” Koval said. “It just was a great experience, and I can’t wait to be back stronger next year.”
This was Koval’s first season coaching at Chatham, and his first time being a head coach of a collegiate program.
“The team this year has grown exponentially,” Team Manager Kaya Vital ‘25 said. “Coach Koval and all the teammates have truly put in so much work throughout the season and it’s really showing at the PACs right now.”
Day 1 of the PAC Championships ended with the men’s team sitting in fifth place with 56 points. Distance free swimmer Karl Gangloff ‘24, fly and free swimmer Caleb Trainum ‘27 and distance free swimmer Brady Gardner ‘26 helped score 18 points for the Cougars.
Day 2 of the event ended with Diver Ali Cowan ‘25 taking first place in the 1-meter dive. The men’s team placed fifth and the women’s placed seventh.
Day 3 tailed off with the men’s 400 Medley Relay placing fifth with help from Gangloff, and Gardner finished strong in his Individual Medley race. Trainum aided the men’s team in taking ninth overall and sprint free/fly swimmer Abigail Glasspool ‘24 led the women’s in seventh place.
Day 4 wrapped up on a positive note. Trainum helped tie the Cougar’s school record in the 200 Butterfly, and Gangloff led the team breaking the school’s 100 Breaststroke record. Gold medal winner Cowan followed strong with a silver medal in the 3M diving event. Both Gardner and Mid-Distance Free swimmer Jocalyn Henry ‘27 were selected for the All-Sportsmanship team.
Our team’s recent success is very exciting. The dynamic this year was amazing and next season I hope that this trend continues with even more accolades to come,” Gangloff said.
The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America awarded Chatham men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams with Scholar All-American Team awards for the fall semester.
According to the Scholar All-American, to qualify for a team award, the team had to “exhibit exceptional grade point averages during the Fall 2023 semester.” The women held an overall GPA of 3.4, and the men, 3.19. This is the third honor for the men’s team and the 19th for the women’s team in program history.
Koval is excited to continue to build the program and hopes for an even better season next year.
“Whether they’re a senior, or a first year, they’re the foundation of something that’s going to be really great. I’ve been telling recruits as well, it’s just only gonna get better from here,” Koval said.
The teams had three seniors and are eager to get back in the pool next swim season.
“I am really excited to work with this crew. They made it easy for me. They came in every day, ready to do their best,” Koval said.
