The Northeastern Huskies swim and dive team capped an impressive 7-2 season with a strong showing at the 2025 CAA championships, securing a fourth-place finish. The team demonstrated resilience, focus and high energy throughout the season, culminating in standout performances at the conference meet.
Reflecting on the season, senior Hannah Seward, a butterfly and individual medley swimmer, emphasized the team’s mental preparation and dedication.
“We always go into the season wanting an undefeated record, but overall, we had a really strong year,” Seward said. “This year we were more focused in training, and that really showed in our performance at CAAs.”
Francesca Arciniegas, a senior butterflier who also attended the championship, echoed Seward’s sentiment.
“I think [this year’s CAAs] was a perfect way to end my career at Northeastern,” Arciniegas said.
“This year we had so much momentum, and everyone had a really positive attitude,” said Bella Busconi, a sophomore sprint freestyler. “I think that in comparison to last year, we had such strong leadership because our senior class was so large, and having them all be really, really excited going into their last meet and their end of season and finishing up their career kind of created a ripple effect through everyone else on the team.”
The team prioritized positivity leading up to and throughout the championship.
“We focused on having our CAA championships be a celebration of all of our hard work throughout the year,” Arciniegas said. “That mindset honestly puts such a fun twist to the intensity perspective of it all.”
One big change the team made this year was the addition of Cara Segal, the team’s strength and conditioning coach. Segal brought varied workouts, including an increased focus on strength training, which provided swimmers and divers with a stronger foundation.
“I think that the lifts that [Segal] put together really made us super athletic and put us in the best position to be in the water doing the best we could,” Arciniegas said.
At the CAA championships, one of the team’s highlights was its traditions, including pre-meet activities.
“Right before finals, we always do a team activity, like our annual egg toss,” Seward said. “My partner Fran and I are the two-time champions of the egg toss, which adds a fun competitive edge before the real competition starts.”
Another one of Seward’s favorite traditions is the team’s spirited cheering.
“We’re known for being the craziest [in the CAA] when we cheer, with red boas, fun hats and sunglasses,” she said.
The Huskies saw several standout performances, including from senior Erin Murphy, who was named CAA Diver of the Meet for the second consecutive year after sweeping the one-meter and three-meter diving events. Diving coach Lauren Colby was also honored as CAA Diving Coach of the Year for the third straight season.
Graduate student Emily Gjertsen set two school records in the 1650-yard freestyle, while junior Anna Verlander earned bronze in the 200-yard backstroke.
“The upperclassmen and the seniors are always so willing to help and guide, and I think that’s what makes us such a close and successful team,” Busconi said.
Looking ahead, Seward is finishing her swimming career but remains excited about the team’s future.
“The goal is to keep improving every year and hopefully aim for an undefeated season. MIT has been our toughest competition, so gearing up for that meet will be crucial,” Seward said. “I’d love to see the team break into the top three at CAAs next year and, of course, continue to have fun and support each other.”
Between races and practices, the team has built a strong bond through shared goals and genuine friendships that extends far beyond the pool.
“I know that there are such amazing young women on [the] team that are so capable and so amazing in not only just the pool but in all aspects of life,” Arciniegas said. “I’m just so excited to see them flourish and achieve their goals in and out of the pool and ultimately just become better and just successful women in general.”
