Marshall University to Minimize Ladies’s Swimming and Diving Program

Marshall University has made the choice to chop its ladies’s swimming an diving program after the 2025-26 season.

The Thundering Herd are at present within the American Conference and are heading to the convention meet subsequent week, Feb. 18-21 in Greensboro, N.C.

“This decision was made after evaluating what is required to provide the highest-quality student-athlete experience over the long term,” Marshall Athletic Director Gerald Harrison wrote in an e mail to the crew, a number of sources have reported.

“Swimming requires significant ongoing facility, locker room, and infrastructure investment to support health, safety, training, and recruiting at the level our student-athletes deserve. At this time, we cannot commit to the level of facility and infrastructure investment necessary to support swimming and diving in the way our student-athletes deserve and expect from Marshall Athletics.”

The faculty doesn’t have a males’s crew.

Marshall launched a Q&A for swimmers to assist them perceive why the choice was made at the moment and what the rapid future appears like.

Q: Why make this choice now?

Because ready doesn’t make the problem smaller—it makes it tougher to unravel. Being clear now permits us to help student-athletes correctly and plan responsibly.

Q: Why not increase cash as an alternative of chopping swimming?
We explored choices, however fundraising alone doesn’t handle the size of capital funding required. Responsible management means acknowledging when a mannequin isn’t sustainable.

Q: Is this about Title IX?

This choice is about student-athlete expertise and sustainability. Title IX compliance is a accountability we take severely, and this transfer expands participation alternatives for ladies whereas retaining help proportional.

Q: What message does this ship to Olympic sports activities?

It sends the message that we’re dedicated to providing sports activities we will help at a excessive degree. That means services, staffing, and each day expertise—not simply sponsorship in identify.

Q: Will my scholarship be honored at Marshall?

Yes. All present swimming student-athletes who stay enrolled could have their scholarships honored via commencement.

Q: Is swimming being lower due to efficiency?

No. This choice is just not associated to aggressive or educational efficiency.

Q: Will Marshall assist with transfers?

Yes. Student-athletes who select to switch will obtain acceptable help and documentation