Hofstra to Add Swimming and Diving Teams for 2027

The university plans to launch Division I programs in time for the 2027-28 academic year.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Swimming

Hofstra to Add Swimming and Diving Teams for 2027

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Hofstra University will expand its athletics department by adding men's and women's swimming and diving teams. These new programs are set to begin official competition during the 2027-28 academic year.

Why it matters

The university determined that adding these sports is financially sustainable due to its existing Olympic-sized swimming pool facility. This expansion will broaden the school's Division I athletics footprint through a mix of fundraising and NIL activities.

Hofstra University currently manages 23 Division I programs across all sports. The addition will place the school within a Coastal Athletic Association cohort that features nine women's and six men's swimming and diving teams.

The players

Hofstra University

A private university located in Hempstead that currently supports 23 Division I athletics programs.

Coastal Athletic Association

The athletic conference that will house the university's new swimming and diving teams.

The details

The university arrived at this decision following a formal fact-finding process regarding the feasibility of maintaining the squads. Hofstra plans to utilize its current Olympic-sized pool for training and competition while supporting the programs via fundraising and NIL activities.

2019: The last time Hofstra University introduced new sports teams.
2026-10-26
The university announced the addition of the new swimming and diving programs.
2027-28 academic year: The new teams will begin intercollegiate competition.

Season Trajectory

This move expands the university's competitive reach within the Coastal Athletic Association and aligns with established NCAA Division I institutional membership requirements. It marks the first time since 2019 that the school has added new sports teams to its athletic roster.

The university will need to secure stable funding through NIL activities and fundraising to support the operational costs of two new Division I teams. Prospective student-athletes and local fans will see new competition schedules integrated into the Coastal Athletic Association calendar starting in 2027.

The takeaway

The decision to launch these programs leverages existing campus infrastructure to minimize initial capital expenditure. It highlights a strategic effort by the university to grow its athletic department's offerings in alignment with regional conference standards.

What happens next

The university will conduct a nationwide search to recruit head coaches to lead the men's and women's swimming and diving programs prior to the 2027-28 season.