Hofstra to Add Men's and Women's Swimming Teams

The new collegiate programs are set to begin competition for students starting in the 2027-28 academic year.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Swimming

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a swimmer in motion, representing the launch of new university swimming and diving programs.
Hofstra University will launch new men's and women's Division I swimming and diving programs in the 2027-28 academic year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hofstra University will launch men's and women's Division I swimming and diving teams starting in the 2027-28 academic year. The expansion adds these programs to the university's existing athletic offerings within the Coastal Athletic Association.

Why it matters

This decision leverages the university's existing Olympic-sized swimming facility to increase athletic participation opportunities. It follows a successful feasibility study confirming the financial sustainability of adding new collegiate programs.

The university is expanding its roster to 23 Division I programs following a feasibility review, joining a conference pool of nine women's and six men's teams. The specific financial breakdown and coaching appointments remain under development.

The players

Hofstra University

A private university in Hempstead that maintains 23 Division I athletic programs and an Olympic-sized swimming facility.

Coastal Athletic Association

A collegiate athletic conference that oversees intercollegiate competition and will host the new programs.

The details

The programs will be supported by a funding model that combines university fundraising efforts and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities. Athletes will utilize the school's existing Olympic-sized swimming pool, which was identified as a key asset for the launch. These teams will compete within the Coastal Athletic Association structure, which currently oversees swimming and diving competition across multiple member institutions.

Timeline

  1. 2019: The last time Hofstra introduced new sports teams.

  2. 2026-10-26

    The university announced the addition of swimming and diving teams.

  3. 2027-28 academic year: The new teams will begin competing.

Health Landscape

The introduction of these teams aligns with the long-term athletic development trends seen within the Coastal Athletic Association. This expansion reflects a growing institutional focus on utilizing existing campus infrastructure to support comprehensive student-athlete health and fitness.

Prospective student-athletes in Hempstead should prepare for future recruitment outreach as the university begins its nationwide coaching search. Interested individuals should monitor official university channels for updates on tryouts and team entry criteria leading up to the 2027-28 season.

The takeaway

Hofstra is expanding its athletic reach through the launch of new swimming and diving programs. Students interested in collegiate competition should consult with athletic department advisors to understand upcoming eligibility requirements and recruitment timelines.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest developments in Swimming.

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