Southwest Minnesota State University announced today that the university will be adding women’s swimming and diving as a new varsity program starting during the 2019-20 season.
The new team will compete in Division II in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, bringing the total number of schools sponsoring women’s swimming and diving to eight. A search for a full-time head coach will begin this spring. SMSU had previously sponsored men’s and women’s swimming and diving during the 1970’s.
You can see the full press release from SMSU Athletics below:
Southwest Minnesota State University Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski announced today the school will add women’s swimming and diving as a varsity program and begin competition during the 2019-20 season.
A search for a full-time head coach will begin this spring.
“We are excited to reinstate the women’s swimming and diving program at SMSU,” Hmielewski said. “This is a great opportunity for SMSU Athletics to support the University’s enrollment while increasing student opportunities to compete in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.”
SMSU sponsored women’s swimming and diving for several seasons in the 1970s.
The team will compete in the Don Palm Natatorium, which has six, 25-yard lanes and a separate 13-foot diving well. The facility hosted four NAIA Men’s National Championships in the 1970s.
“The addition of women’s swimming and diving will allow SMSU to reach a new group of students and grow the numbered of sponsored sports to 18. Our goal is to have a roster size of 32 student-athletes in the program.” Hmielewski said. “Adding swimming and diving will allow us to increase the utilization of our swimming pool, provide community outreach with camps and recruitment efforts and reconnect with a very loyal and supportive group of swimming and diving alumni.”
With the addition of SMSU, a total of eight schools will sponsor women’s swimming and diving in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. SMSU joins Augustana, U-Mary, Minnesota State, MSU Moorhead, Northern State, St. Cloud State and Sioux Falls with swimming and diving programs.
SMSU sponsored men’s swimming and diving for 10 seasons from 1970-80.
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You know what else will do all those good things for your school?: a men’s swim & dive team. #MaleSwimmersMatter
At least this is a start…..
Thumbs up!