Saint Leo Brings Back Varsity Swimming Teams

Saint Leo University will restart its men's and women's swimming programs as club teams before moving to NCAA Division II.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Swimming

Saint Leo Brings Back Varsity Swimming Teams

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Saint Leo University will bring back its varsity men's and women's swimming teams, which were cut in 2023. The teams will begin competition as club teams in the 2027-28 academic year before transitioning to NCAA Division II for the 2028-29 season.

Why it matters

The reinstatement restores a program that previously sent its men's team to 12 straight NCAA Championships and its women's team to 10 straight. For Florida athletes, it returns a collegiate swimming option to the state's Tampa-area campus.

The men's program made 12 straight NCAA Championship appearances from 2012 to 2023, and the women's program made 10 straight from 2014 to 2023. The Marion Bowman Aquatics Center features a six-lane, 25-yard outdoor pool, and roster and budget details remain unannounced.

The players

Saint Leo University

A private Catholic university in Saint Leo, Florida, founded in 1889, that operates the Marion Bowman Aquatics Center and is reinstating its swimming programs.

Megan O'Reilly

Saint Leo's Manager of Aquatics and Fitness, a former collegiate swimmer at the Catholic University of America, who will coach both revived teams.

The details

Saint Leo cut its men's and women's swimming, track, and cross country programs in 2023, and some of those teams have since returned. Megan O'Reilly, the university's Manager of Aquatics and Fitness, will serve as head coach of both swimming teams. Interested students can contact O'Reilly by email to join.

2012-2023: Men's team competes at NCAA Championships for 12 straight seasons.
2014-2023: Women's team makes 10 straight NCAA Championship appearances.
2023: Saint Leo cuts its swimming, track, and cross country programs.
2027-28 academic year: Teams begin competition as club teams.
2028-29 season: Teams transition to NCAA Division II competition.

Season Trajectory

Saint Leo's move back into collegiate swimming follows its 2023 decision to cut several sports programs. The transition from club status to NCAA Division II competition in 2028-29 would place the revived teams in a conference structure they previously competed in at the national championship level.

Students interested in joining the revived teams can contact Coach Megan O'Reilly by email. Prospective swimmers should plan for a club-team season before the program's NCAA Division II debut in 2028-29.

The takeaway

Reinstated programs often begin at club level before reaching NCAA competition, so prospective athletes should track roster openings early. Students can reach out directly to coaching staff to learn about tryouts.