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Arizona State Swimmers and Divers Make a Splash with Speedo-Clad Volleyball Pool Party
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The Arizona State University (ASU) swimmers and divers have once again demonstrated their reputation for both athletic excellence and vibrant campus spirit, this time by hosting a spontaneous poolside volleyball party that has captured the attention of fans and the wider social media community. The event, notable for its Speedo-clad participants, saw team members from the men’s and women’s swim and dive squads commandeering the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center’s pool deck for an afternoon of volleyball, laughter, and celebration .
Photos and videos of the event quickly spread across platforms such as Instagram (@Sundevilswimdive) and X (@ASUSwimDive), attracting widespread praise for the team’s joyful display of unity and body positivity. The party, which was organized as a lighthearted break during the rigorous training season, highlighted the close-knit culture that has become a hallmark of ASU’s athletic programs .
This exuberant celebration comes on the heels of a period of remarkable success for ASU’s swim and dive teams. The 2024-25 season saw both the men’s and women’s squads clinch Big 12 Championships in their inaugural year in the conference, with the men’s team securing their third consecutive conference title and the women achieving their highest national finish since 2019 . Standout performers such as Jonny Kulow and Ilya Kharun earned international accolades, representing the United States and Canada, respectively, at the World Aquatic Championships and bringing home medals .
The women’s team is similarly stacked with talent, including All-Americans Miriam Sheehan and Julia Ullmann, who contributed to the team’s NCAA success and have been recognized for their individual achievements . The Sun Devils’ program is also noted for its international diversity, welcoming 24 newcomers from 10 different countries for the 2025-26 season .
Beyond their accomplishments in the pool, the ASU swim and dive teams are celebrated for fostering an environment that is both inclusive and affirming for all identities, including LGBTQ+ student-athletes. The team’s visible support for diversity is reflected in their public events and social media presence, often featuring posts that celebrate Pride Month and recognize the achievements of LGBTQ+ athletes within the program .
This latest pool party event, with its unapologetic embrace of body positivity and team unity, has been widely interpreted as emblematic of the Sun Devils’ commitment to creating a space where all athletes feel welcome and celebrated. The presence of openly LGBTQ+ team members and allies further reinforces ASU’s role as a leader in collegiate athletics for inclusion and representation .
ASU’s athletic department has also worked to ensure that its policies and practices reflect best practices for supporting transgender and nonbinary athletes, aligning with NCAA guidelines and collaborating with campus LGBTQ+ resources for ongoing education and support .
The viral nature of the event underscores the significant role that social media plays in shaping the public image of collegiate athletic programs. By sharing glimpses of their off-the-clock camaraderie, the Sun Devils swim and dive teams have not only built stronger connections with their fan base but have also become powerful advocates for positivity and inclusion in sports .
Commenters on posts from the event have celebrated the team’s confidence and authenticity, with many highlighting the importance of seeing diverse bodies and identities represented in collegiate athletics. The event’s popularity has also drawn attention to the broader efforts at ASU to promote wellness, mental health, and community engagement among student-athletes .
As the 2025-26 season kicks off, the Sun Devils swim and dive program is poised to continue its streak of competitive excellence and cultural leadership. Their next home meet against the UNLV Rebels on October 3 is being eagerly anticipated by fans and is expected to draw further attention to a team that has become as renowned for its inclusive culture as for its prowess in the pool .
With a diverse, talented roster and a growing reputation for championing LGBTQ+ inclusion and body positivity, Arizona State’s swimmers and divers continue to set a positive example for collegiate athletics nationwide. Whether in competition or at play, the Sun Devils prove that team spirit, authenticity, and acceptance are always in style.
