We know many people care deeply about the Marshall University Swim & Diving program. For our student-athletes, coaches, families, alumni, supporters, and even the entire university, this program represents years of work, achievement, relationships, and pride. We understand the disappointment and pain the recent decision to discontinue this program has caused. We do not take those feelings or that decision lightly.

Today, a lawsuit has been filed concerning the closure of the program. We respect individuals’ rights to pursue legal action, and because this matter now involves pending litigation, we cannot comment directly on the specifics of the claims.

What we can do is reaffirm what has been true from the start: this decision was made through a principled, mission-driven process focused on the long-term strength of Marshall University and on maximizing student opportunity. It was not a reflection of the dedication, character or competitive performance of any student-athletes or coaching staff.

We are at this point because of the structural realities of maintaining a facility to NCAA DI standards and the responsibilities of stewarding the university’s resources and obligations.

These include:

Expanding participation opportunities in support of our Title IX commitments.
Ensuring the university’s long-term financial sustainability.
The responsible allocation of available resources for the maximum benefit of our entire student community.
Facility and infrastructure realities required to sponsor programs at the level our student-athletes deserve and our affiliations require.

We remain committed to supporting every impacted student-athlete. That means honoring existing commitments, providing individualized assistance with academic advising, scholarship and eligibility guidance, and transition support — including help for those exploring transfer opportunities.

We understand that a decision like this elicits strong reactions, especially as the legal process proceeds. We respect those feelings and opinions, and expect that during this process, we will all conduct ourselves with character, respect our student-athletes both online and offline, and engage one another with good intentions.

Marshall will continue to move forward with clarity of purpose: expanding opportunities for students, strengthening the university for the long term, and making decisions guided by values, responsibility, and fairness.

Sincerely,

Brad D. Smith

President, Marshall University

Gerald Harrison

Director of Athletics, Marshall University

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

A lawsuit has been filed seeking a temporary injunction related to Marshall’s decision to discontinue the university’s women’s swimming and diving program. We respect the right of individuals to pursue legal action, and we are reviewing the filing.

Because this matter involves pending litigation, Marshall and its leaders cannot comment on the specifics of the lawsuit. What we can do is restate the university’s position and the decision factors that have already been shared publicly.

No. Marshall’s decision to discontinue the program remains in place.

This was a difficult decision driven by three structural considerations:

Expanded participation opportunities under Title IX
Long-term financial sustainability
Facility and infrastructure requirements necessary to continue to support the program at the level our student-athletes deserve

This decision was not a reflection of the program’s effort, character or achievements.

No. The program and its student-athletes have represented Marshall with distinction. The decision was based on structural realities and long-term stewardship responsibilities — not competitive outcomes.

Marshall is committed to expanding opportunities for female student-athletes and ensuring athletics participation aligns with Title IX obligations. The university has specific plans to increase women’s participation opportunities through programs with greater roster capacity.

STUNT (often described as a competitive cheer-based sport) is being added to expand women’s athletics participation opportunities. It provides meaningful competitive opportunities and can support broader participation goals with a larger roster capacity than swimming and diving.

Marshall conducted a months-long review of athletics program costs and sustainability. That review showed that swimming and diving was not sustainable at the level required to support Division I competition over time, particularly when considered alongside other institutional needs and obligations.

Sponsoring Division I swimming and diving at the level student-athletes deserve requires significant, ongoing investment in facilities and infrastructure. The facility and infrastructure expenses were a key factor in the decision-making process.

Marshall is committed to supporting impacted student-athletes through this transition. Support includes individualized guidance related to academics, scholarships/eligibility and transition planning — including assistance for those exploring transfer opportunities to continue competing.