The University of North Florida announced on Monday the discontinuation of the Women’s Swimming and Diving program. UNF Athletic Director Lee Moon attributes the strategic restructuring to a number of factors, including the level of competition, financial impact to UNF, facilities and conference membership. All other North Florida sports programs compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, but Women’s Swimming and Diving has been competing in Coastal Collegiate Swimming AssociationCoastal Collegiate Swimming Association because the Atlantic Sun Conference does not sponsor championships in Women’s Swimming and Diving.“This is a business decision about focusing on core group of sports where North Florida excels and the experience for the student-athlete is outstanding. However, we remain committed to student-athletes already in the program,” said Moon, stressing that UNF will continue to honor all Swimming and Diving scholarships for the remainder of the student-athletes’ college careers, as long as those student-athletes maintain sufficient grade point averages and make progress toward degree completion. “We have a responsibility to all our student-athletes to provide them with a positive environment so they can achieve their academic goals and their athletic aspirations.”
With the elimination of the swimming program, North Florida supports a total of 16 sports. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field and volleyball. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field.
