Saint Leo University Reinstates Varsity Swimming Programs
After a three-year hiatus, the university plans to restore competitive swimming by 2028.
1Program Restoration Timeline
Saint Leo University in Florida has officially announced the return of its men's and women's varsity swimming teams. The institution will reintroduce the sport as a club program during the 2027-2028 academic year. Following this initial phase, the teams are scheduled to transition into full NCAA Division II competition for the 2028-2029 season.
2Historical Context of Cuts
The university previously eliminated its swimming program in 2023 alongside men's and women's track and cross country teams. While those other sports were reinstated earlier, the swimming program remained sidelined until this recent decision. The school, established in 1889, is now actively working to rebuild these specific athletic offerings for its student body.
3Leadership and Coaching Staff
Megan O'Reilly, the current Manager of Aquatics and Fitness at Saint Leo, has been appointed as the head coach for both teams. O'Reilly brings collegiate swimming experience from the Catholic University of America and holds multiple degrees from the University of South Florida. She is currently pursuing an MBA at Saint Leo University.
4Past Competitive Success
The reinstated programs hold a history of national competitiveness within the NCAA Division II landscape. The men's team achieved 12 consecutive NCAA Championship appearances between 2012 and 2023, including a 2019 individual title. Similarly, the women's team maintained a streak of 10 straight NCAA Championship appearances prior to the program being cut in 2023.
5Training Facilities Available
Athletes will primarily utilize the Marion Bowman Aquatics Center, which features a six-lane, 25-yard outdoor pool. Additionally, the university opened a 59,000-square-foot Wellness Center in 2022. This newer facility includes a resort-style pool with two lap lanes, providing further infrastructure support for the swimming program as it prepares for its upcoming competitive return.
6Institutional Enrollment Trends
Saint Leo University currently serves an undergraduate population of just over 7,500 students. The institution experienced a significant enrollment decline from a peak of 12,021 during the 2015-2016 academic year. However, the university has recently reported signs of reversing this downward trend, demonstrating measurable student body growth over the past several years.
7Broader Collegiate Athletic Landscape
The decision to bring back swimming occurs amid widespread industry concerns regarding the future of NCAA swimming programs. Despite these challenges, Saint Leo joins other institutions like Hofstra University and Merrimack College in expanding varsity sports. These recent announcements represent a growing trend of schools choosing to invest in or restore their swimming programs.
8Strategic Athletic Objectives
Marcal Lazenby, the Vice President of Student Life and Athletics, stated that the university continuously evaluates the scope of its athletic offerings. By reinstating swimming, the school aims to provide talented student-athletes with more opportunities to pursue academic and athletic goals. This move reinforces the university's commitment to maintaining a diverse and competitive sports culture.
Original article: SwimSwam — Saint Leo University Reinstates Varsity Swimming Programs