\u2014 By Bill Cornwell<\/i><\/p>\n
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. \u2014 <\/b>Following recent rumors that Marshall University would be cutting women\u2019s swimming and diving, the MU Board of Governors unanimously approved the shutdown of the program on Tuesday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The cut comes as this year\u2019s team prepares to compete in the American Conference Championship, which starts Wednesday in Greensboro, N.C.<\/p>\n As one program is dropped, the Board of Governors approved the addition of a Stunt team, one of the fastest-growing sports offered by the NCAA.<\/p>\n Marshall University President Brad Smith and Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison said the decisions were not made lightly, but were dictated by both costs and the need to meet federal Title IX participation standards.<\/p>\n Harrison met with swim team members last Thursday to inform them the program would be ending.<\/p>\n In a later email to the team, Harrison stated \u201cthe decision was made after evaluating what is required to provide the highest-quality student-athlete experience over the long term.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSwimming requires significant ongoing facility, locker room and infrastructure investment to support health, safety, training and recruiting at the level our student-athletes deserve,\u201d Harrison added. \u201cAt this time, we cannot commit to the level of facility and infrastructure investment necessary to support swimming and diving in the way our student-athletes deserve and expect from Marshall Athletics.\u201d<\/p>\n Harrison and Smith said that massive investment was needed to improve the 45-year-old Frederick Fitch Natatorium, which is part of the Cam Henderson Center.<\/p>\n The natatorium will remain open and Smith says it will continue to welcome Marshall students, the community and high school swim teams which have called it home in recent years.<\/p>\n A Message from Marshall University President Brad D. Smith Regarding Marshall Athletics:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd17: https:\/\/t.co\/7BXP1X9YGc<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/HNL1YnoECy<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Marshall Athletics (@HerdZone) February 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n