Liberty Voted 2nd In American Conference Swimming & Diving Preseason Poll

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty was predicted to complete second within the American Conference Swimming & Diving Preseason Poll, introduced in the present day by league officers.

The ballot was voted upon by all 9 American Conference swimming & diving head coaches.

Liberty joined the American Conference as an affiliate member in swimming & diving on July 1, 2025 together with James Madison and Marshall. All three applications will start their second season in The American this fall.

Two-time defending American Conference champion Rice was picked because the preseason favourite, receiving 63 factors and 7 first-place votes. Liberty is second with 58 factors and two first-place votes after ending because the runner-up on the 2026 American Conference Swimming & Diving Championship. Tulane (43) edged out FIU (42) for third place. East Carolina (36) and James Madison (32) have been voted fifth and sixth, respectively. FAU (26), North Texas (15) and Marshall (9) spherical out the ballot.     

Under the route of 17^th-year Head Coach Jake Shellenberger, the Lady Flames received seven straight convention championships, between the CCSA (2019-23) and Atlantic Sun (2024, 2025).

Liberty will host the 2027 American Athletic Conference Swimming & Diving Championships, Feb. 17-20 at Liberty Natatorium.

Liberty opens its regular-season schedule subsequent Friday and Saturday, competing in a tri meet in Christiansburg, Va., with Virginia Tech and Penn State.  

 

American Conference Swimming & Diving Preseason Poll

1. Rice (7)                   63

2. Liberty (2)              58

3. Tulane                     43

4. FIU                          42

5. East Carolina          36

6. James Madison       32

7. FAU                         26

8. North Texas            15

9. Marshall                  9