Outsports Magazine has cited longtime Purdue head coach Dan Ross for fostering the Boilermakers' LGBT welcoming environment. The article notes that men's swimming and diving ranks second behind women's basketball for the number of out athletes at Power Five conferences.
The story, by Eric Hall, noted that:
Through Ross’ 32 seasons guiding Purdue men’s swimming, the team atmosphere has led to five Purdue men’s swimmers and divers coming out publicly, more than any team in a Power Five Conference. In addition to swimmers Ryan Dafforn and Andrew Langenfeld, there have been divers Jamie Bissett, Zach Schultz, and Max Showalter.
The story goes cites the role athletes play in creating a welcoming environment outside of the pool and the playing field. Andrew Langenfeld relays a story of meeting a fellow Purdue alum who credited the sprinter's decision to come out. He explained:
“Actually seeing a swimmer at my school doing so well, and coming out, and still being accepted — you have no idea the effect that had on me and how much that allowed me to be who I am today just because you put your story out there.”
Outsports lists the following swimmers and divers as open about their sexuality. Since the story was first published, their list of athletes has grown. If you are an out swimmer or diver who competed at a Power 5 conference, Contact author Erik Hall to be added.
- Arizona - Carter Craft (2011-15); Jon Denton-Schneider (2010-14); Lauren Neidigh (2013-15); Sean Smith (2000-02)
- Indiana - Conor Murphy (2010-14)
- Florida - Lauren Neidigh (2011-13)
- Miami - Greg Louganis (1978-80); Tanner Wilfong (2012-16)
- Michigan - Gillian Ryan (2014-Present)
- Missouri - Vito Cammisano (2009-12); Greg DeStephen (2006-10); Bruce Hobson (Indiscernible);
- North Carolina - Tom Luchsinger (2009-12); Warren Perry (1999-2001);
- N.C. State - Chris Arcara (2009-14); Derek Ernst (2006-09); Hudson Rains (2009-13); Jimmy Ross (2008-12).
- Notre Dame - John Andrade (2011-13)
- Northwestern - John Andrade (2013-15); Jack Thorne (2015-Present)
- Ohio State - Patrick Jeffrey (1985-88); David Pichler (1989-92)
- Purdue (11): Jamie Bissett (2011-15); Ryan Dafforn (2007-11); Andrew Langenfeld (2007-09); Zach Schultz (2004-08); Max Showalter (2015-Present)
- Rutgers - Sean Smith (2002-05)
- Southern California - Mark Chatfield (1971-75); Sean Mulroy (2010-14)
- Stanford (19): Noah Garcia (2010-14); Brian Jacobson (1991-95); Alex Kostich (1988-92); Dan Trupin (2001-05);Laura Wadden (2005-09)
- Texas - Jeff Commings (1991-95); Matt Korman (2012-15)
- Texas A&M - Amini Fonua (2008-12)
- Texas Christian - Matt Korman (2011-12); Cooper Robinson (2011-15)
- UCLA - Bruce Hayes (1981-85);
- Virginia - Parker Camp (2010-14);
- West Virginia - Andrew Langenfeld (2005-07); Alex Obendorf (2014-Present)
