UVA men’s swimming gets $2.2 million gift

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Todd DeSorbo has already built a dynasty in women’s collegiate swimming at Virginia. Now, he’s on the verge of doing the same with the men’s program, and Tuesday’s huge financial gift enhanced those possibilities.

An anonymous donor gifted UVA’s men’s swimming program a $2.2-million commitment, the largest single gift in Cavaliers men’s swimming history. With university matching funds, the overall gift will make a $2.7-million impact on the program.

“This gift couldn’t come at a more pivotal time,” DeSorbo said in a release from Virginia Athletics and the Virginia Athletics Foundation. “We’re bringing in what I believe is the best recruiting class in the country and maybe one of the best in NCAA history. This support will help us continue to build a team that competes for championships and represents the University at the highest level.”

Among that top-rated class are three swimmers ranked among the nation’s top 10, including Thomas Heilman of nearby Crozet, Maximus Williamson of Southlake, Texas, and Nathan Szobota from Richmond. UVA fans will remember Heilman competing for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in the 200m and 100m butterfly.