In a surprising turn of events, Division I swimming and diving programs are not just surviving but thriving, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and recent cuts. While many sports programs faced the axe during the COVID-19 era, Division I men’s and women’s swimming and diving have emerged stronger, with more programs added than lost in the past year. But here’s where it gets interesting: the men’s side has welcomed three new programs (two swimming-only), while the women’s side has seen an even more impressive growth with four additions (three swimming-only). This rebound is particularly noteworthy given the significant cuts that occurred during the pandemic, affecting schools like Michigan State, Iowa, UConn, and Boise State.
And this is the part most people miss: Division I’s trend stands in stark contrast to other divisions, where the story hasn’t been as rosy. For instance, 2023 was a brutal year for collegiate swimming in New York, with at least seven programs lost, leaving only St. Francis, Brooklyn, competing at the Division I level. Meanwhile, Division II’s Concordia University-Irvine initially cut both its men’s and women’s programs earlier this year, only to be ordered to reinstate the women’s team just last month. This back-and-forth highlights the ongoing struggles and uncertainties facing the sport at various levels.
Controversially, while some celebrate the growth in Division I, others question whether this expansion is sustainable or merely a temporary rebound. Is this a sign of swimming and diving’s resilience, or are we overlooking deeper systemic issues in collegiate sports funding? Let’s dive into the specifics:
Men’s Programs Added:
- Stonehill (swim and dive, 2026-2027)
- St. Mary’s College (swim, 2026-2027)
- Northern Kentucky (swim, 2024-2025)
Men’s Programs Cut:
- Cal Poly (swim and dive, end of 2024-2025 season)
Women’s Programs Added:
- UTRGV (swim and dive, 2024-2025)
- Marquette (swim, 2026-2027)
- St. Mary’s College (swim, 2026-2027)
- Northern Kentucky (swim, 2024-2025)
Women’s Programs Cut:
- Cal Poly (swim and dive, end of 2024-2025 season)
Other Recent Additions/Cuts:
- Loyola Marymount, Women’s Swimming and Diving, Cut After 2023-2024
- Lindenwood, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, Cut after 2023-2024
- University of Southern Indiana, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, Added For 2022-2023
- Nebraska-Omaha, Men’s Swimming and Diving, Added for 2021-2022
If there are any additions or corrections to this list, please share them in the comments! This overview attempts to capture recent changes while minimizing the impact of the COVID-19 era on the data.
About Anya Pelshaw:
Anya has been a cornerstone of SwimSwam since June 2021, serving as both a writer and social media coordinator. Her coverage includes the 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Women's NCAA Championships, as well as the 2023 US Summer Nationals and the 2024 European Championships. Her dedication to the sport and its community is unmatched. Read More
Thought-provoking question for you: With Division I swimming and diving programs on the rise, do you think this growth is a positive sign for the sport’s future, or are there underlying issues that need addressing? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
