The following was written for TheSabre.com
By: Izzie Begley | February 13, 2024
The Virginia women’s swimming & diving team is known for its dominance across the NCAA. As the Hoos chase their fifth-straight ACC Championship and their fourth consecutive NCAA Championship, the program’s reputation for excellence far extends the pool, though. Distinguished by a unique team culture, this group is devoted to excelling not only in the water but also in fostering a supportive community. Among these talented athletes is fourth year Abby Harter, whose UVA experience has far exceeded her expectations.
Coming from Northern Virginia, attending an in-state university did not sound so appealing for Harter. As she started getting recruited her junior year out of Briar Woods High School, Harter believed she wanted to get out of Virginia and head to the West Coast.
However, her mom pushed her to take an official at UVA. Harter was just 16 going through the recruiting process.
“I am just so thankful my 16-year old self chose to go here,” Harter said. “In my head I thought no way I would go in-state. But, my mom really encouraged me to take a visit because Todd DeSorbo is a great coach and he has great energy so I was just like fine I’ll go on a visit.”
Following her official visit, Harter fell in love with the school and the team. She really valued the academics the school offers and “the overall environment” as well. For her, what really separated Virginia from the rest was the contagious team culture. It’s something easily visible at the Aquatic & Fitness Center during a meet, but perhaps even stronger within the day-to-day routine away from competition.
“I just could tell the team is like a family. Everyone is so close and really supports each other and we are special in a sense that we have a combined program,” Harter said. “So, the men’s and women’s teams train and compete together. It is something that most schools don’t have, and we are really fortunate to have it.”
Harter struggled a bit her first year. She came into Virginia in 2020, so she was confined to her dorm for the majority of the year due to COVID. However, winning their first National Championship outweighed any sacrifices.
“That was just so special because all of us were like wow, we sacrificed so much this year,” Harter said. “We put in so much hard work and won together as a team. That is when I knew this team was going to be something special.”
Something special may be an understatement.
Since Harter’s first year, Virginia went on to win two more National Championships. Only four other schools have accomplished that feat. Both recent titles came in dominating fashion too as the Hoos won by 145.5 points in 2022 and 127 points in 2023. Headliners like Kate Douglass, Alex Walsh, Gretchen Walsh, and others obviously made big contributions to the totals while also starring on the world stage.
However, it was not always easy for Harter. She had a few battles with her mental headspace.
“Sometimes I overthink because I come from a program with so many successful swimmers.” Harter said. “It is really easy to doubt yourself and think ‘I’m not supposed to be here, I am not going to the Olympics,’ but then you have to settle down and look around you and think ‘Wow, I get to be a part of a program where people are going to the Olympics.’”
After going through confidence coaching, as well as having the support of her team, Harter was able to bury these thoughts and contribute to the success of the team by scoring points in each NCAA Championship in which she has competed. “One thing our coach always says is if you are not having fun, you are not going to succeed, and that is really one thing our team takes to heart,” she said.
Abby Harter credits her teammates and the team culture for a lot of the success at Virginia. ~ Photo courtesy of Virginia Athletics Media Relations
By utilizing her advice from her confidence coach, the support of her team, and the guidance of her coaches, Harter has had an incredibly successful swim career. She earned All-America honors in multiple events, including the 200 fly in three straight years. Harter currently holds the 4th fastest time at UVA in the 200 Fly. She also ranks 5th all-time in the 200 IM and 6th all-time in the 100 Fly. Additionally, she is a member of the US National Team, and has competed for the USA in Chile at the PanAmerican Games.
The two-time Virginia captain attributes much of her success to her coaches and teammates, and believes when she graduates, she feels ready to take on whatever is next.
“If you put your mind to something, you can do it. Especially if you have a great support system around you,” Harter said. “I am going to take that with me forever. I have the biggest support system I have ever had and probably ever will have and everyone tries to get you to believe in yourself. Once you believe in yourself you can do anything. Whatever you put your mind to you can do, and I have learned that through swimming at Virginia.”
As for what is next, Harter has applied to graduate school and wants to stay in touch with swimming. She already said she’ll be one of the alumni back at every meet, but she’s also “really excited to get into the BioTech world, because I want to help athletes.” However, until then, Harter is going to train alongside her team and chase another National Championship.
The Hoos just completed their Cavalier Invite event where Harter swam a 100 breaststroke time trial in 1:00.78. The start of the postseason looms just days away as the ACC Championships are scheduled for Feb. 20-24 in Greensboro, N.C. The women’s National Championship meet follows one month later from March 20-23 in Athens, GA.
“We’re all really excited, going into my fourth NCAA Championship is a little nerve-racking,” Harter said. “I’m like oh my gosh it’s my last one but also I have won every single year I have been here. We’re just trying to get the whole team just as excited as we were our first year. You have to act like you haven’t won the one before because you never know what is going to happen. Todd always says ‘Pressure is a privilege.’ We have the pressure and people are chasing us down to take our National Championships from the past. We thrive off of that, we do not want to lose it..”
