The Spider network is a force to be reckoned with — whether it propels undergrads forward in job searches or calls alums back home for a visit. Just last weekend, our acclaimed synchronized swimming team celebrated its 50th anniversary by inviting former swimmers to their meet against the reigning national champions, The Ohio State University.

“It warmed my heart to look around the room and see an alum from the ’60s and another from the ’80s talking to one of our current swimmers,” Coach Asha Bandal, ’04, said. “I think it helped the current team understand that they are a part of something much larger than they previously thought.”

At least half of the alums were from out-of-state and traveled back to campus to cheer on the current team and mingle along with President Crutcher at a post-meet reception. The synchro bonds are some of the strongest on campus, as evidenced by the coaching staff. Bandal swam on the team until she graduated in 2004 and has led the team for the last 14 years. Her co-coach, Caroline Weist, graduated in 2005 and is now a German professor at Richmond. 

Since 1980, UR has been represented at the synchro national championship every single year without a break. Our club team has been able to make the trip due to the generosity of the alumni network. The donations are in large part funding the team’s trip to Arizona at the end of March.

“Never have I been more proud to be a part of this phenomenal group of women,” Bandal explained. “When we did the Spider Cheer with the current team in the middle and the mass of alums surrounding us, it was almost impossible to keep it together. Every single woman on that pool deck had a unique experience being a part of the organization — whether they called it the Aquanettes or Richmond Synchro or anything else.”

We’re proud of this special team, too, and the ways it exemplifies the enduring Spider spirit. We’ll be rooting for you in the national championships!