Collegiate Powerhouses Set to Compete in Inaugural CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge, Presented by Visit Knoxville and Hosted by University of Tennessee
2025 CSCAA Open Water National Championship will be held at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida.
May 28, 2025 — The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) is proud to announce the inaugural CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge, presented by Visit Knoxville and set to take place November 21–23, 2025, at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee will serve as host for this groundbreaking event, which will feature four of the nation’s elite programs—each representing one of the Power 4 conferences:
“We’re thrilled to host the inaugural CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge at Tennessee—a bold new competition format that represents the future of college swimming,” said Matt Kredich, Head Coach of The University of Tennessee. “Tennessee has for decades been at the forefront of innovation in swimming, and this is a bold step toward the future of the sport. We are proud and excited to be part of this moment, and to help shape a blueprint that could define the next era of collegiate swimming.”
These powerhouse teams will compete in a double-elimination, bracket-style dual meet format that reimagines traditional collegiate swimming competition. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three meets, with the championship culminating in high-stakes, head-to-head matchups that highlight both individual excellence and team depth.
“At Virginia, we’re always looking forward—whether it’s in training, competition, or how we think about the future of our sport,” said Todd DeSorbo, Head Coach of the Cavaliers. “The CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge is exactly the kind of innovative, high-level competition that aligns with how we approach our program. It’s a chance to elevate college swimming, bring new fans into the sport, and challenge our athletes in a format built for the next generation. We’re proud to be part of something that pushes the boundaries and helps shape what’s next.”
A New Blueprint for the Sport
Designed to elevate the experience for both fans and athletes, the CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge introduces a dynamic, easy-to-follow format optimized for television. Events will alternate between men’s and women’s races, emphasizing strategy, speed, and simplified scoring. Coaches will seed swimmers head-to-head, with points awarded based on individual race wins—ensuring that every race matters.
“The time to evolve is now,” said CSCAA Executive Director Samantha Barany. “This event is about more than just competition—it’s a statement that our sport can adapt and thrive in the changing landscape of college athletics. The meet offers a scalable blueprint for teams and conferences across all divisions. It makes our sport exciting for any audience familiar with a bracket tournament.”
More Than a Meet—A Movement
Amid increasing pressure on Olympic sports—especially in light of impending structural changes from the House Settlement—events like the CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge are vital to ensuring swimming and diving remain relevant and sustainable. This initiative is part of a broader CSCAA strategy to safeguard the sport’s future by:
Engaging new fans through exciting, accessible competition,
Showcasing Olympic-level talent on the collegiate stage, and
Providing a scalable and replicable model for conferences and institutions
“This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in the sport of collegiate swimming and diving, and it aligns perfectly with Tennessee Athletics’ mission to lead the way forward in everything we do," Senior Associate Athletics Director of Administration Tyler Johnson said. "The format is built to create a fan-friendly, exciting environment, and there’s no better place to showcase that than the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center, one of the top facilities in the country. It’s going to be an incredible experience for athletes, fans and the entire swimming and diving community.”
the inaugural CSCAA Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge, presented by Visit Knoxville and set to take place November 21–23, 2025, at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee.
The CSCAA is currently working with investors and sponsors to deliver a first-class, two-year pilot event, with plans to provide exclusive access, hospitality experiences, and naming opportunities for supporters.
“I’m especially grateful to the key stakeholders who had the vision and energy to help make this a reality,” said Barany. “Their belief in the potential of our sport laid the foundation for what’s to come. I believe this will inspire others who have been waiting for their turn to contribute to act now and be part of an exciting horizon for our sport. The opportunities are endless to grow—and when we create space to showcase our sports, we all rise together.”
About CSCAA:
Founded in 1922, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) – the first organization of college coaches in America -is a professional organization of college swimming and diving coaches dedicated to serving and providing leadership for the advancement of the sport of swimming & diving at the collegiate level. With a mission to protect, preserve and expand college swimming and diving opportunities, the CSCAA provides valuable resources, educational opportunities, and leadership development to its members, fostering a thriving and competitive collegiate swimming and diving community.