University of New Hampshire Athletics
UNH celebrates after winning the America East Championship in 2005
Echoes of the 2005 Undefeated Season
2/11/2025 10:47:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Wildcats Seek 12th America East Title
DURHAM, N.H. - For the first time in two decades, the University of New Hampshire swimming and diving team has completed an undefeated regular season. The 2024-25 Wildcats finished 7-0-1, joining the 2005 squad as the only teams in program history to achieve an unbeaten dual-meet campaign. Now, as the Wildcats head into the America East Championships, they look to add another conference title to an already historic run and further cement their legacy.
The 2005 Wildcats stormed through the schedule with a 9-0 dual meet record, culminating in the program's third America East Championship victory. The conference title was anything but guaranteed as UNH entered the final day trailing Northeastern by 65 points. The Wildcats then staged a dramatic comeback to win by 14, ending the Huskies' five-year reign (2000-04) atop the conference.
Their path to perfection was marked by commanding wins over Boston College (186.5-112.5), Boston University (190-102), and Northeastern (170-130), among others. The team also took first place at the Bucknell Invitational, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse that season. Their success extended beyond the conference, as they placed 11th nationally and stood as the only team from New England to earn a top-20 ranking.
Shannon Daly Smith '06, a UNH Hall of Famer and two-time America East Swimmer of the Year, remembers that campaign vividly.
"Going undefeated for UNH swimming in 2005 was a surreal and exhilarating experience," Smith said. "A standout incoming freshman class brought fresh energy, while returning teammates, stronger than ever, elevated our team's performance. The energy was unmatched, as each victory brought us closer together and solidified our commitment to excellence."
That group of first-year swimmers played a significant role in the team's success, with nine members making up nearly half of the 20-member squad.
Melissa Lague Gladhill '05, the America East Swimmer of the Year that season, recalled how the experience was about more than just winning.
"An undefeated season is never just about the wins," Gladhill said. "As invigorating as it was to throw the coaches in after they announced our final victory or hold up the winning award at America East, there was a humbling feeling. I realized that this undefeated season wasn't just about one person, it was about the way we came together, worked together, and made it happen as a team."
"It's a feeling that has stuck with me for years," she added.
Now, the 2024-25 Wildcats have matched that historic achievement. With a league-record 11 America East titles (1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), they aim to add a 12th championship to their storied history.
One of the highlights of this year's campaign was a breakthrough 165-135 victory over Northeastern, marking UNH's first win over the Huskies since 2013. Additionally, the Wildcats battled UConn to a 150-150 tie in a hard-fought meet against a Big East opponent, further showcasing their resilience.
Head coach Josh Willman, now in his 30th season at the helm, was named America East Coach of the Year in 2005 after leading the Wildcats to a perfect season and conference title. Twenty years later, he has guided another undefeated squad and sees familiar themes between the two teams.
"What I remember best is that we had a strong season in 2004," Willman said. "That spring, I met with the team and talked about how BC would be one of our biggest challenges since it was our opener and that we needed to train hard over the summer and return to school in the fall in great shape. The team really committed to that, came back in August fired up and that was the foundation of our success that year. I had the same type of meeting last spring of '24 because I thought that we could have another run at it."
As this year's Wildcats prepare for the America East Championships on Feb. 19-22 at VMI Aquatic Center, they do so with the echoes of 2005 behind them—a reminder that an undefeated season is not just about winning, but about the journey, the camaraderie, and the legacy left behind.
Amanda Paul Heller '05, the team captain of the 2005 squad, reflects on that unforgettable season and shares wisdom for the current team.
"The 2005 season is one that has stayed with me for the past 20 years," Heller said. "To be able to, as a team, be undefeated for the season and go on to win America East is a dream! When that dream became reality, it was truly a gift - an amazing feeling that comes along once in a lifetime. That season bonded our team forever. Enjoy every moment of it, stay grounded, and be a team!"
With the America East Championships on the horizon, the 2024-25 Wildcats have the opportunity to etch their names among the greatest teams in program history. And if history is any indication, this team is ready to rise to the occasion.
2005 Schedule/Results
The 2005 Wildcats stormed through the schedule with a 9-0 dual meet record, culminating in the program's third America East Championship victory. The conference title was anything but guaranteed as UNH entered the final day trailing Northeastern by 65 points. The Wildcats then staged a dramatic comeback to win by 14, ending the Huskies' five-year reign (2000-04) atop the conference.
Their path to perfection was marked by commanding wins over Boston College (186.5-112.5), Boston University (190-102), and Northeastern (170-130), among others. The team also took first place at the Bucknell Invitational, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse that season. Their success extended beyond the conference, as they placed 11th nationally and stood as the only team from New England to earn a top-20 ranking.
Shannon Daly Smith '06, a UNH Hall of Famer and two-time America East Swimmer of the Year, remembers that campaign vividly.
"Going undefeated for UNH swimming in 2005 was a surreal and exhilarating experience," Smith said. "A standout incoming freshman class brought fresh energy, while returning teammates, stronger than ever, elevated our team's performance. The energy was unmatched, as each victory brought us closer together and solidified our commitment to excellence."
That group of first-year swimmers played a significant role in the team's success, with nine members making up nearly half of the 20-member squad.
Melissa Lague Gladhill '05, the America East Swimmer of the Year that season, recalled how the experience was about more than just winning.
"An undefeated season is never just about the wins," Gladhill said. "As invigorating as it was to throw the coaches in after they announced our final victory or hold up the winning award at America East, there was a humbling feeling. I realized that this undefeated season wasn't just about one person, it was about the way we came together, worked together, and made it happen as a team."
"It's a feeling that has stuck with me for years," she added.
Now, the 2024-25 Wildcats have matched that historic achievement. With a league-record 11 America East titles (1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), they aim to add a 12th championship to their storied history.
One of the highlights of this year's campaign was a breakthrough 165-135 victory over Northeastern, marking UNH's first win over the Huskies since 2013. Additionally, the Wildcats battled UConn to a 150-150 tie in a hard-fought meet against a Big East opponent, further showcasing their resilience.
Head coach Josh Willman, now in his 30th season at the helm, was named America East Coach of the Year in 2005 after leading the Wildcats to a perfect season and conference title. Twenty years later, he has guided another undefeated squad and sees familiar themes between the two teams.
"What I remember best is that we had a strong season in 2004," Willman said. "That spring, I met with the team and talked about how BC would be one of our biggest challenges since it was our opener and that we needed to train hard over the summer and return to school in the fall in great shape. The team really committed to that, came back in August fired up and that was the foundation of our success that year. I had the same type of meeting last spring of '24 because I thought that we could have another run at it."
As this year's Wildcats prepare for the America East Championships on Feb. 19-22 at VMI Aquatic Center, they do so with the echoes of 2005 behind them—a reminder that an undefeated season is not just about winning, but about the journey, the camaraderie, and the legacy left behind.
Amanda Paul Heller '05, the team captain of the 2005 squad, reflects on that unforgettable season and shares wisdom for the current team.
"The 2005 season is one that has stayed with me for the past 20 years," Heller said. "To be able to, as a team, be undefeated for the season and go on to win America East is a dream! When that dream became reality, it was truly a gift - an amazing feeling that comes along once in a lifetime. That season bonded our team forever. Enjoy every moment of it, stay grounded, and be a team!"
With the America East Championships on the horizon, the 2024-25 Wildcats have the opportunity to etch their names among the greatest teams in program history. And if history is any indication, this team is ready to rise to the occasion.
2005 Schedule/Results
| Date | Opponent | Score |
| Oct. 29 | Boston College | W, 186.5-112.5 |
| Nov. 6 | Boston University | W, 190-102 |
| Nov. 13 | Colgate | W, 186.5-112.5 |
| Nov. 14 | Binghamton | W, 154-82 |
| Nov. 20 | UMass | W, 178-118 |
| Dec. 4-5 | Bucknell Invite | First Place |
| Jan. 17 | Northeastern | W, 170-130 |
| Jan. 22 | Rhode Island | W, 190-103 |
| Feb. 5 | Maine | W, 173-112 |
| Feb. 18-20 | America East Championships | First Place |
Jamy Lum America East Champions Post-Meet Interview
Sunday, April 25
UNH Head Coach Josh Willman America East Champions Post-Meet Interview
Sunday, April 25
UNH Head Coach Josh Willman Day 2 America East Swimming Championships Post-Meet Interview
Saturday, April 24
UNH Head Coach Josh Willman America East Swimming Championships Preview Interview (4/22/21)
Thursday, April 22