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Ursuline swimmer inspires on the world stage

Ursuline swimmer inspires on the world stage

by Shannon Dufresne
 

Davia R ’26 dove into the waters of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore and surfaced as a champion. Competing against some of the fastest swimmers from across the globe, this rising senior claimed two heat victories on one of the sport’s most prestigious stages—showcasing the talent, discipline, and perseverance that reflect Ursuline’s Core Values.

In late July, Davia delivered a standout performance in the Women’s 100m Butterfly, clocking a personal best of 1:04.29 to take first place in Heat 1 of 6. She surged ahead of competitors from the Cook Islands, Macau, Saint Lucia, Madagascar, Suriname, and the Maldives, proving she could outpace elite athletes from every corner of the world.

Later in the week, she returned to the pool for the 100m Freestyle, once again seizing first place in her heat with a time of 1:01.74. Her success drew high praise from the Belize Aquatics Federation, whose president, Giovanni Alamilla, calls her “Belize’s top aquatics athlete to date.”

But Davia’s story doesn’t end there. Just five days after returning home to the U.S., she boarded another plane—this time to Asunción, Paraguay—to compete in the Jr. Pan American Games. There, she competed in the 100m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle, and 50m Freestyle.

Representing Belize, Davia takes immense pride in being the first swimmer ever to do so at these events. Her accomplishments have inspired the Belize Olympic Committee to consider building a national pool to encourage more young swimmers to take up the sport. 

“I love that younger kids are looking up to me,” she shared. “It’s an honor to show them what’s possible with hard work.”

While her summer has been a blur of travel, training, and competition, she hasn't lost sight of the support she's received back home from The Ursuline School community. “I am extremely grateful to share my experience and for the endless support I’ve received from TUS,” she said. “It means the world to me!”

I am extremely grateful to share my experience and for the endless support I’ve received from TUS. It means the world to me!
- Davia R '26

From Ursuline to the world stage, Davia's journey is a living example of the school's mission—to educate, inspire, and empower young women to achieve excellence while serving as role models to others. As we get set to begin the school year, Davia’s success story fuels us all. Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president, reflects, “Davia is a brilliant example of the boundless potential of our students.”

Davia is a brilliant example of the boundless potential of our students.”
- Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president

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