Making Waves: Gabe Nunziata’s Journey to the University of Tennessee
Virginia’s own Gabe Nunziata is trading the Atlantic coast for Rocky Top, committing to swim and study at the University of Tennessee next fall. A senior at StoneBridge School in Suffolk and a standout for the Old Dominion Aquatic Club, Nunziata is making quite the splash as he closes out his high school career.
Specializing in breaststroke and IM, Nunziata already earned a spot as an “Honorable Mention” on the list of top-20 recruits from the high school class of 2025. But it’s his remarkable year in the pool that truly sets him apart.
A Record-Breaking Year
Let’s start with the accolades. Nunziata was named the 2024 17/18-year-old Boy Swimmer of the Year by Virginia Swimming LSC, a well-deserved nod to his dominance in the water. He also secured a spot on the USA Swimming 2024-2025 U.S. Junior National Team, further solidifying his reputation as one of the nation’s top young talents.
But Nunziata wasn’t just collecting titles—he was shattering records. At Winter Juniors East, he clocked massive time drops and personal bests. He took gold in the 200 breaststroke, improving by an astonishing 2.2 seconds and landing himself at #30 all-time in the age group. In the 100 breaststroke, he grabbed the runner-up spot with a 1.1-second improvement, sliding into the #59 all-time position.
Summer saw more success as he swept the 100 and 200 breaststroke titles at Richmond Futures and took second in both the 200 and 400 IM. Oh, and did we mention he competed at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials? There, he not only held his own against some of the best swimmers in the country but also posted personal bests in both breaststroke events, including a blazing 1:00.36 in the 100 breast time trials and a 2:11.78 in the 200 breast prelims, which earned him a spot in the semi-finals.
The Stats Speak for Themselves
Nunziata’s short course yards (SCY) times are nothing short of impressive:
- 100 breast: 52.90
- 200 breast: 1:54.36
- 200 IM: 1:47.30
- 400 IM: 3:51.26
To put these numbers in perspective, if he were already donning the orange and white of the Tennessee Volunteers, his times would top the team leaderboard in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke. At the 2024 SEC conference meet, those times would have secured him a spot in the A final for the 200 breast and the B final for the 100 breast. Not bad for someone who hasn’t even stepped foot on campus yet.
Ready to Shine in Knoxville
Nunziata will join a talented recruiting class at Tennessee next fall, including Jake McCoy, Mac Clark, and Liam O’Connor. With his relentless work ethic, team-first mentality, and ability to perform under pressure, he’s poised to make an immediate impact for the Volunteers. Tennessee fans better get ready, because this breaststroker is coming in hot.
As Gabe wraps up his high school career and prepares to head to Knoxville, one thing is clear: he’s just getting started. Whether he’s racing for a conference title, eyeing NCAA records, or dreaming of Paris 2028, Nunziata has all the tools to succeed at the next level—and beyond.