The undefeated Princeton women’s basketball team is making its mark on the record books, and in its athletic history, the University has seen its share of impressive winning streaks: Men’s basketball won 20 in a row during the 1997-98 season; football won 24 straight between 1949 and 1952; and men’s tennis won 43 consecutive matches in a six-year span that began in 1975. But the owners of Princeton’s longest winning streak resided in DeNunzio Pool. From 1998 to 2004, the women’s swimming and diving team won a mind-boggling 47 dual meets in a row, spanning seven seasons.
The streak ended with a loss to Pittsburgh in January 2004, and afterward, head coach Susan Teeter told PAW, “I truly believe, in my heart of hearts, that when they come back for their 50th reunions, this record will still be standing.” Teeter also said her team was anxious to start winning again — the loss came just before Princeton’s January exam break. After finals, the Tigers won their four remaining meets and finished the season with a first-place finish in the Ivy League Championships.