Elite student-athletes kick off Pac-12 Championships Week in Seattle area
Walnut Creek, Calif. – Elite student-athletes from the Pac-12 Conference are set to compete for three league titles in the Seattle area over the next two weeks, the Conference announced today. The action begins Wednesday through Saturday with the Pac-12 Women’s Swimming and Men’s and Women’s Diving Championships at Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Wash. Next week will feature the Pac-12 Men’s Swimming Championships in the same pool and the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament at KeyArena.
“We are thrilled to host three of our premiere championship events in the Seattle area,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott. “In addition to being one of the most picturesque cities in the world, Seattle has a passionate fan base for Pac-12 sports and provides a great atmosphere for our student-athletes.”
Pac-12 Women’s Swimming and Men’s and Women’s Diving Championships
Year in and year out, Pac-12 women’s swimming boasts some of the best swimmers in not just collegiate swimming, but on the international level as well. The 2014 Pac-12 Women’s Swimming Championships will again showcase several NCAA standouts and Olympians from all over the world. Among the talented student-athletes in the pool competing for a Pac-12 title are 10 Olympians from the 2012 London Olympic Games, including medal winners Rachel Bootsma (women’s swimming, California), Missy Franklin (women’s swimming, California), Lia Neal (women’s swimming, Stanford). The Pac-12 Men’s and Women’s Diving Championships will also feature some of the top talent in the world, including two 2012 Olympians Kristian Ipsen (men’s diving, Stanford), a bronze medalist, and Riley McCormick (men’s diving, Arizona State).
Pac-12 Men’s Swimming Championships
The Pac-12 Men’s Swimming Championships will showcase some of the top swimmers in the world in a competitive meet that pits four teams currently ranked in the top 15 in the recent College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) poll. Third-ranked California looks to defend its Conference title after last year’s meet saw the Bears win their first league crown in over 30 years and upset Stanford’s Pac-12-title streak of 31-straight. Several Olympians and national team members are in the field, including four reigning NCAA Champions from last year.
Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament
The Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament will be played at KeyArena for the second year in a row. Seattle is a great supporter of women’s basketball with a very knowledgeable and passionate fan base. Last year’s inaugural tournament in Seattle was a great success with improved attendance, exciting play on the court, and a great overall buzz among fans. This year’s tournament will include three ranked and four potential NCAA Tournament teams, including No. 4 Stanford, No. 18 California and No. 20 Arizona State. The Golden Bears are coming off their first-ever trip to the NCAA Final Four last year, while the Cardinal are looking to capture an eight-straight tournament crown.
Championships Schedule
Feb. 26 – Mar. 1
Pac-12 Women’s Swimming and Men’s and Women’s Diving Championships
Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center - Federal Way, WA
Full coverage and ticket information
Mar. 5 – 8
Pac-12 Men’s Swimming Championships
Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center - Federal Way, WA
Full coverage and ticket information
Mar. 6 – 9
Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament
KeyArena – Seattle, WA
Full coverage and ticket information