University of Virginia scored a coup when the Cavaliers succeeded in holding onto one of the state’s brightest stars in Jessie Gvozdas.
Primarily a distance freestyler, Jessie Gvozdas goes to Mills Godwin High School in Richmond, VA and swims at NOVA of Virginia Aquatics. Her sweet spot is probably the 500 and the 200 but she had a terrific summer in the longer distances, where could be real asset to the Hoos in the years to come. As it is she will add strength to the reigning ACC Champions’ middle and distance groups and help to fill the void when Rachel Naurath graduates.
Gvozdas was the Combined Women’s and Men’s High Point Award winner at the 2013 Virginia Senior Long Course Championship this summer, where she set the meet record in the 800 free with 8:54. Also this summer she finished fifth at Summer Juniors in the 400 (4:15) and twentieth in the 800 (8:49). In short course yards her 200 / 500 / 1650 times are 1:49 / 4:49 / 16:39, respectively.
Gvozdas also made strides in her 400 IM during this past long course season so the Cavaliers might use her there as well. But this is a team that put 5/8 in the final of the 500 free at conference (and graduated no one, 2 are seniors now); 3/8 in the 400 IM (0 graduated, 1 current senior); 3/8 in the 200 free (-1, 1); and 5/8 in the 1650 (-0, 1). All in all Jessie Gvozdas adds great depth to an already-strong, and young, Virginia Cavaliers women’s team.