
UMW colors pop on the facility’s walls, with new lane lines, an accessible lift, and University-branded backstroke flags and starting blocks all making a debut at this Saturday’s competition.
Goolrick Pool at the University of Mary Washington has reopened for the spring 2025 semester, following a six-month renovation that upgraded all areas of the facility, both in function and appearance. UMW will host the first home varsity swim meet of the season on Saturday, Jan. 18, as the Eagles celebrate senior day.
“The primary focus has been on improving and extending the life of our historic facility,” said UMW Aquatics Coordinator and Pool Operator Kyle Diederich, a senior on the men’s swim and dive team. “It has long been a place of opportunity, potential and excitement for those who use it. With this renovation, Goolrick Pool has been transformed into a modernized and improved aquatic facility, continuing to serve its purpose for current and future generations of UMW students and the local community.”
The renovation to the historic facility was extensive and included the following improvements:
(1) Full replacement of the pool deck and pool perimeter lip tile, covering over 5,000 square feet.
(2) Removal of all existing in-pool tiling and underwater lighting, followed by waterproofing the pool shell and resurfacing it with quartz aggregate pool plaster.
(3) Upgraded replacement of various pool-related plumbing systems, including the main drain system, return inlets (“jets”) and overflow gutter drains.
(4) Numerous upgrades and maintenance to the pool pump room and its internal systems.
(5) Re-painting the entire facility in a new color scheme and design.
(6) Installation of new lane lines, school-branded backstroke flags, an accessible lift, and University-branded starting blocks – which will debut at the competition Saturday.
“We are excited to reopen Goolrick Pool, a facility rich in history and tradition, now revitalized for the future,” said Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo. “This renovation ensures that our swimmers and the UMW community will practice and compete in a first-class facility as we celebrate the continued success of our championship teams.” Read more.