The University of Denver Hilltoppers swim team captured Gold Medal status in the 2022 USA Swimming Club Excellence Program -- the highest ranking awarded to swim clubs across the country.

It is the first time since 2012 that TOPS has earned Gold Medal status from USA Swimming, and this is now the 18th-consecutive year that DU has landed on the Club Excellence Program standings.

The USA Swimming Club Excellence Program identifies and recognizes the top 200 USA Swimming member clubs (out of more than 3,100) based on their development of swimmers ages 18 and younger from September 1, 2020, through August 31, 2021. TOPS earned its Gold Medal ranking by placing in the top 20 nationally based on point scoring -- placing 17th in the country this year with 25,942 points. Points are accumulated by swimmers' time standard performances.

Clubs ranked 21-100 receive Silver Medal status while clubs 101-200 earn Bronze Medal honors.

"Collectively, 15 athletes directly contributed to the performance scoring, but this accomplishment is reflective of our entire organization," Hilltoppers head coach Shawn Smith said. "All of our coaches have contributed to creating an environment and culture that fosters this level of performance. Thank you to each of our staff for their unrelenting dedication, our parents for their continued support and the University for its ongoing investment in our program. Go Hilltoppers!"

The Club Excellence Program is in its 22nd season.

TOPS in the USA Swimming Club Excellence Program

2022 - Gold (17th overall)
2021 - Silver (26th)
2020 - Silver (23rd)
2019 - Silver (46th)
2018 - Silver (87th)
2017 - Bronze (198th)
2016 - Silver (68th)
2015 - Silver (93rd)
2014 - Silver (54th)
2013 - Silver (41st)
2012 - Gold (unknown)
2011 - Gold (18th)
2010 - Gold (18th)
2009 - Silver (39th)
2008 - Bronze (125th)
2007 - Silver (76th)
2006 - Silver (49th)
2005 - Silver (unknown)