2026-27 Women's Swimming Roster
Biography
The University of Toronto Varsity Blues are excited to share the commitment of Sofia Ristancev to the women's swimming program for the 2026-27 season.
“I chose the University of Toronto because it offers an exceptional balance of elite varsity athletics and outstanding academics," said Ristancev "It provides an opportunity where I can compete at a high Canadian level while pursuing excellent academics.”
A 5-foot-6 backstroke specialist from Windsor, Ristancev joins the Blues via St. Anne Catholic High School, Windsor Aquatic Club, and NCAA Div. II Barry University.
Returning to Canada following her freshman season in Florida with the Buccaneers, Ristancev has been a standout in the pool with every team she has competed with so far. This past year she established a new Barry University program record in the 200 backstroke, earning Sunshine State Conference Swimmer of the Week honours. With her club, she garnered the Most Improved Swimmer Award during the 2024-25 season. And with her high school she won the 100 back and placed second in the 100 IM at the SWOSSAA meet, qualifying for the OFSAA championships.
“Sofia will immediately fit in with the team as her forte is backstroke and we graduated five backstrokers in the past couple years" said Varsity Blues head coach Byron MacDonald. "She comes from a top program in Windsor under head coach Mike McWha and as a transfer will be starting her second year of collegiate swimming, and that experience will be extremely valuable."
Being a four year honour roll student in high school and maintaining a strong GPA while in the States, Ristancev is ready to continue her studies within the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto this fall.
Students who sign a letter of intent and/or commit to Varsity Blues intercollegiate teams will be eligible to play at the University of Toronto provided they are academically admissible and have applied through the normal process with the Ontario Universities Application Centre.
