Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Swimming & Diving To Join The American Athletic Conference
12/12/2024 11:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Herd joins fellow SBC member JMU as affiliates joining one of NCAA’s top leagues
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Swimming & Diving will join the American Athletic Conference, effective July 1, 2025, the American announced on Thursday morning.
American Athletic Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti announced the addition of three affiliate member institutions – Marshall, James Madison and Liberty - to the conference in women's swimming and diving.
"Our staff and student-athletes are thrilled to be joining The American for Swimming and Diving," Marshall Swim & Dive coach Ian Walsh said. "It is one of the premier conferences in the country and supports an elite championship experience for student-athletes."
Pernetti said the addition of the affiliates adds to the competitive footprint for the league, which will feature nine teams.
"We are excited to welcome JMU, Liberty and Marshall to The American in women's swimming and diving," Pernetti said. "All three programs are at the top of the sport and will enhance our strength in women's swimming and diving and our philosophy of providing the highest level of competition and experience for our student-athletes. This expansion will better position The American for even more participation in the NCAA Championships."
Marshall, JMU and Liberty join full members of The American that include East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice and Tulane. FIU is also an affiliate member and has been a constant on the Herd's schedule.
Many of those teams were also around when Marshall was a member of Conference USA in previous years, providing a familiarity .
"There are several familiar coaches in the conference that I have had the privilege of competing against in years past," Walsh said. "I know these programs will challenge us to be better and we look forward to elevating the conference as a whole."
JMU and Marshall finished as the top two teams in the Sun Belt in the 2024 SBC Championships while Liberty has won six straight conference championship – the last coming in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
The American sponsors women's swimming and diving as a championship-only sport, meaning that the conference does not administer a regular-season schedule. With the addition of the affiliate members, nine teams will compete for The American title at the 2026 Women's Swimming and Diving Championships, which have been awarded to the Greensboro Aquatic Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.
For all the latest information about Marshall Athletics, follow @HerdZone on X and Instagram.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.
