Teagan O’Dell to Continue College Career at Virginia; Another Star for Six-Time Champs
Following a strong start to her college career, Teagan O’Dell has announced that she will move across the country and join the six-time defending national champions. O’Dell, who entered the transfer portal after one season at California, announced in an Instagram post Tuesday that she will compete for the Virginia Cavaliers beginning next fall.
O’Dell was a two-time National High School Swimmer of the Year at Santa Margarita Catholic High School before moving onto NCAA competition. At her first national meet, O’Dell was the national runnerup to Lucy Bell in the 200 IM, and she placed third in the 400 IM and sixth in the 200 backstroke. Internationally, O’Dell won silver both medley events at last year’s World University Games along with a relay gold.
“After much thought, I am extremely grateful and excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Virginia! I am so grateful that the impeccable team and coaching staff at UVA has granted me this opportunity. I can’t wait to start this journey with the Cavalier family!
“I am eternally grateful to my parents, family, and friends for supporting me throughout this process. And I am especially thankful to everyone in Charlottesville for welcoming me with open arms. This past year in Berkeley will always be cherished, along with the countless friendships I have developed. I am forever indebted to the staff and team at CAL for the love and support I have received all season.”
Moving forward, O’Dell figures to take a central role on a team favored to continue its run atop the sport. Virginia out-paced its competition by more than 200 points at this year’s NCAAs, and most of its top performers will return next season. That group includes Claire Curzan, a five-time individual NCAA champion in backstroke events, plus breakout freestyle star Anna Moesch. The class O’Dell joins includes sprinter Sara Curtis and rising mid-distance standout Madi Mintenko.