Host Site Georgia (CSCAA Rank: 1st; 2005 Finish 1st) – Last year, Georgia won its fourth title by winning all five relays and becoming the first team to accomplish this feat in a single NCAA Championship. In its drive for five, Georgia must overcome the loss of Amanda Weir (transfer), Lindsey Ertter and Samantha Aresenault (graduation), all key members of the relays. The Bulldogs will be led by senior Mary DeScenza, who swept both butterflies and was a Championship finalist in the 200 IM. Additionally, Kara Lynn Joyce will look to repeat her wins in the sprint free. Georgia isn’t as deep as last year, so they will need their younger swimmers to step up if they hope to defend their 2005 championship.

Auburn (CSCAA Rank: 2nd; 2005 Finish 2nd) Auburn won three straight titles before Georgia stopped them last year. Georgia’s losses this year might prove to be the Tigers’ gain. However, they will have to do it without last year’s NCAA Swimmer of the Year, Kirsty Coventry. Auburn will be led by Hayley Peirsol, who is looking to get an individual win in the distance freestyles, and Adrienne Binder, who swims the free and IM. Mid-season pickup Rachel Goh is an impact player, and Jeri Moss, Jana Kolukanova and Emily Kukors will all need to improve on their All-American performances last year to help the Tigers regain the title.

Florida (CSCAA Rank 4th; 2005 Finish: 4th) The future is bright in Gainesville, though that future might not be now. Leah Retrum, the nation’s top returning 200 backstroker, is redshirting this year, so the Gators will rely heavily on Caroline Burckle and Olympic gold-medalist Dana Vollmer. Backstroker Jamie Reid, flyer Candace Weiman and breaststroker Vipa Bernhardt add valuable championship experience. With the return of Retrum and an outstanding fall recruiting class, count on the Gators to contend for a title in the years to come.

Arizona (CSCAA Rank: 5th, 2005 Finish: 3rd) The Wildcats bring an exceptionally deep team with strong relays to the meet. Marshi Smith returns to defend her 100 backstroke title from last year, while Jenna Gresdal, Courtney Cashion and Lacey Nymeyer give the Wildcats championship relay potential. Flyer/IMer Whitney Myers had a breakthrough season last year and could earn her first NCAA title this season. The Wildcats have a relatively young team, and if they swim well, they’ll be a team to reckon with for the top spot.

Stanford (CSCAA Rank 3rd; 2005 finish: 5th) With first-year coach Lea Maurer at the helm, the Cardinal are hoping to retain their former swimming legacy. Led by Olympians Dana Kirk and Kristen Caverly, both All-Americans, Stanford should have a strong showing. Defending breaststroke champion Caroline Bruce is out for the season following shoulder surgery, so the Cardinal will ask Brooke Bishop to step up, and for Laura Davis and Morgan Hentzen to return to top form. Should they perform, they’ll manage to hold off a bevy of teams aiming to break into the top five.

THE REST: The difference between the top five teams above and those below is slight. The University of Southern California is looking to crack the top five with Kalyn Keller and Cait Connealy leading the charge. California has an exceptionally strong team, led by world record holder Jessica Hardy, Ashley Chandler and the Silver sisters – Helen and Emily. With distance ace Flavia Rigamonti, Southern Methodist can’t be overlooked, but may not have enough depth to secure a top-five finish. Meanwhile, Texas aims to get back to form with big swims from All-Americans Kristy Siminski and Elizabeth Tinnon. Given the right opportunity and perhaps a little luck, any one of these squads could easily jump into the top five.