Swimming is alive and well in the Dakotas. Just a month after Augustana and Sioux Falls announced the addition of swimming, the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota has begun searching for a women's head coach. It is the Marauder's first new sport in two decades. The University of Mary will begin competing 2016-17 season and ups the NSIC to seven women's teams - three more than it had just a month ago..
"This is a perfect time to add a sport to the University of Mary athletic department and women's swimming is a great fit with our campus and community," said Marauders Athletic Director Roger Thomas. "We have strong swimming programs locally and in the state. One of the best aquatic facilities in the region is located in Bismarck. We have had tremendous success with our women's athletic programs overall and feel that women's swimming will be another successful sport for Marauders athletics."
The swim program will begin taking shape this summer with the search for a head coach. Once a coach has been identified, the recruiting process for student-athletes starts, along with developing a schedule for 2016-17 and other program needs. It is estimated the team will field 15 swimmers initially before growing to a roster of at least 25.
"Women's athletics have been essential to the growth of our Mary community over the years," said University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea. "As we begin another pivotal time in our history with the start of Vision 2030, the addition of women's swimming demonstrates our willingness to seek out and meet the needs of students throughout our region. Additionally, the Northern Sun would like to see swimming grow to the level of a championship sport in our conference and we are excited to share that vision."
The position will be a full-time, benefitted position and the University invites coaches to submit their letter of application, resume and 3 professional references to: Pam Treib, Human Resource Generalist, 7500 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504; employment@umary.edu
