PHOTOS: South Carolina swim and dive team celebrates graduating seniors at last home meet
Sophomore freestyle swimmer MaKayla Ciancanelli (right) and other swimmers dive off the block at the start of the second heat of the 500-meter freestyle event at Carolina Natatorium on Jan. 20, 2024. Ciancanelli finished first in the heat with a two-second lead over Duke University junior Yiixuan Chang.
Senior backstroke swimmer Bella Pantano (right) hugs head coach Jeff Poppell during the swim and dive team’s senior recognition event before the tri-meet at the Carolina Natatorium on Jan. 20, 2024. Coaches, staff and family members joined the seniors as they were each presented with plaques.
Senior breaststroke and individual medley swimmer Georgia Johnson (right) and teammates congratulate their Duke University and UNC Asheville competitors after the tri-meet on Jan. 20, 2024. The Blue Devils won the meet, beating the Gamecocks and the Bulldogs.
Sophomore swimmer Gage Hulbert takes a breath during the first heat of the 200-meter butterfly event against Duke University at the Carolina Natatorium on Jan. 20, 2024. Hulbert finished in first place in the event.
Freshman Connor Fry flexes in celebration after finishing in first place of the first heat of the men’s 1000-meter freestyle against Duke on Jan. 20, 2024 at the Carolina Natatorium. The Gamecocks men’s swim and dive team defeated the Blue Devils 204-91.
Senior breaststroke and individual medley swimmer Georgia Johnson (left) hugs senior freestyle swimmer Hayley Mason after the tri-meet against Duke University and UNC Asheville on Jan. 20, 2024. Smiles, laughter and tears were shared after the graduating seniors' last home meet at the Carolina Natatorium.
Senior Hayley Mason (left) tries to hold back tears after completing the 500-meter freestyle event against Duke University and UNC Asheville on Jan. 20, 2024. Mason and other senior team members expressed a range of emotions during their last competition at the Carolina Natatorium.
Senior Daniel West gets ready to turn during the 200-breaststroke event against Duke University on Jan. 20, 2024 at the Carolina Natatorium. The Gamecocks men’s swim and dive team beat the Blue Devils 204-91.