Cal Poly Swim and Dive Team Banquet an Opportunity for Celebration Amid Ongoing Battle to Save Team
Amid a hard fought battle to save the team, Cal Poly swimming and diving athletes gathered for their banquet to celebrate what was a historic season for the team. The men concluded the regular season undefeated. Standouts Evan Yoo and Drew Huston highlighted the men’s team performances with conference titles. Co-head coach Kim Carlson was named the 2025 Big West Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year. The women’s team has continuously improved as well, with this year’s conference finish the highest in several years.
Since the unceremonious dismissal of the team in March, the swimming community has unified behind the Mustangs. A total of $7.5 million has been raised through various charitable individuals and sources, and the team GoFundMe link has raised more than $80,000. In April, 29 of the 35 Mustang student-athletes recognized for academic achievement were from the swimming and diving team.
A Celebration
On May 17, the team gathered for the first time since that dooming day in March, but this time to celebrate. The team, along with too many alumni to count, attended a banquet at Cafe Roma in Downtown San Luis Obispo before a dinner at local town favorite Woodstock’s Pizza.
For many of these swimmers, this may be the last time they are in a room together. Some athletes are looking forward to graduation in a few weeks. For those with years of eligibility remaining, however, it’s been a period of uncertainty and scrambling. Swimming has provided a sense of purpose and structure throughout their years in college. Although many are still swimming a few times a week, it is an adjustment.
This description should not create a misunderstanding of the reality of the event. The banquet was a celebration – alumni, parents and friends gathering to recognize a team that achieved great things. It was months’ worth of stress and question marks taking a backseat to highlight what the Mustangs accomplished during the 2024-2025 season. For at least one night, the individuals who have fought hard to save this team could take a moment to celebrate among friends and loved ones.
A committee of athletes, led by current junior Camilo Vargas, have pursued efforts to save the team through the @savecpswimdive Instagram account.
Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong has given the team until June 15, just after finals, to fundraise $20 million as an endowment to save the team. The date previously was June 4, and the fundraising goal was previously $25 million.