Records Shattered, Rivalries Ignited: NC State Dominates UNC in a Swim Meet for the Ages
January 16, 2026, marked a day of aquatic dominance as #8/#6 NC State Wolfpack swept aside #22 UNC Tar Heels in a thrilling swim meet at the Koury Natatorium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. But here's where it gets even more impressive: six pool records were obliterated in the process, leaving spectators in awe and competitors in their wake.
A Tale of Two Teams, One Dominant Performance
The Wolfpack's victory wasn't just a win; it was a statement. The women's team secured a resounding 204-94 victory, while the men's team followed suit with a 179-108 triumph. This dominance extends beyond a single meet, improving NC State's all-time record against UNC to 44-48 for the men and 16-39 for the women.
Women's Meet: A Wolfpack Stampede
The women's meet kicked off with a bang as NC State's 200 medley relay team, featuring Leah Shackley, Eneli Jefimova, Erika Pelaez, and Olivia Nel, set the tone with a record-breaking performance, clocking in at 1:34.72. This was just the beginning of a Wolfpack sweep, as they claimed victory in all but two swimming events.
And this is the part most people miss: the depth of NC State's talent. Four swimmers emerged as double event winners: Kennedy Noble (100 backstroke, 200 IM), Eneli Jefimova (100 breaststroke, 200 breaststroke), Cassie Moses (100 free, 50 free), and Leah Shackley (200 back, 100 fly). Jefimova's 58.65 in the 100 breaststroke was particularly impressive, making her the only swimmer to break the 1:00 barrier in that event.
Men's Meet: Records Tumble, Wolfpack Roars
The men's meet was equally thrilling, with NC State setting four pool records. The 200 medley relay team, comprising Quintin McCarty, Arsen Kozhakhmetov, Aiden Hayes, and Drew Salls, set the first record of the day with a blistering 1:23.71. Max Carlsen then stole the show, breaking the pool record in the 1000 freestyle with a time of 8:42.38, a new school record that catapults him into the top 5 nationally.
Controversy Brews: Diving Dominance and UNC's Bright Spots
While NC State dominated the swimming events, UNC found success in diving. Sophomore Sofia Knight shone for the Tar Heels, claiming victories in both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events with personal bests. This raises the question: Is diving becoming an increasingly crucial factor in determining meet outcomes, potentially shifting the focus away from traditional swimming events?
UNC also secured wins in the 200 butterfly (Taylor Bloom), 500 free (Maren Conze), 100 breaststroke (Ben Delmar), 200 breaststroke (Delmar), and 200 fly (Seb Lunak). These victories highlight the Tar Heels' resilience and talent, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Looking Ahead: The Rivalry Continues
This meet was more than just a competition; it was a testament to the fierce rivalry between NC State and UNC. With records broken and pride on the line, the stage is set for even more exciting encounters in the future.
UNC will look to bounce back at the UNC Invitational from February 4-6th in Chapel Hill, while NC State hosts UVA on January 24th.
What did you think of the meet? Were you surprised by NC State's dominance, or did you see it coming? Let us know in the comments below!
