MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris has announced the addition of men's swimming & diving, to begin competition in the 2023-24 academic year. Sponsorship of men's tennis will end following the 2023 season.

"There were over 2,750 boys swimming and diving in 120 Minnesota high school programs in 2021-22. As Minnesota's only public NCAA Division III university, UMN Morris is uniquely positioned to launch a competitive men's swimming and diving team," stated Sandy Olson-Loy, vice chancellor for student affairs. "Men's tennis has been a second sport opportunity for most of our athletes. We are excited to provide terrific academic and sports experiences for more students via swimming and diving." 

Recruitment for men's swimming & diving will begin this spring. "There is no better coach to launch a new men's collegiate swimming and diving program than Dave Molesworth." Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Matt Johnson continued, "Coach Molesworth established our successful women's swim and dive program in 2004, is highly regarded amongst his peers across the country, and has great connections in Minnesota's swimming and diving community."

Minnesota Morris women's swimming & diving just completed its 19th season under Head Coach Dave Molesworth. They have seen success in team competitions at the Cougar Sports Center and away, at regional invitational meets, and in the Liberal Arts Championships where the Cougar women finished 3rd in 2023 and 2nd in 2022. The College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA) selected UMN Morris as a 2023 Scholar All-America Team. Molesworth will now oversee both programs.

"I am very excited to see this new opportunity for men's swimmers and divers, and to have the chance to lead our growing UMN Morris swimming & diving program," said Molesworth. "I am looking forward to creating a fun, competitive environment for men to join a great collegiate sport."

Molesworth has led the women's swimming & diving program for its entire 19-year history. A University of South Dakota All-American collegiate swimmer, Molesworth grew the Cougar program from an inaugural 13th-place finish at the Liberal Arts Championships to become a viable yearly competitor for the team championship. A national search for a new assistant coach position will begin immediately.

Cougar Athletics offers a competitive NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics experience for more than 300 students in 19 sports, with student-athletes excelling academically at rates above the student body as a whole. In 2022, 95% of UMN Morris student-athletes reported that the Cougar Athletics environment encouraged them to achieve their academic goals, grew their leadership knowledge and skills, and fostered a life-long appreciation for health and fitness. To learn more about Cougar Athletics, visit morriscougars.com.

The University of Minnesota Morris is a nationally ranked top 10 public liberal arts and sciences university. At UMN Morris, students can belong, succeed, and thrive as global citizens who value and pursue intellectual growth, civic engagement, intercultural competence, and environmental stewardship. UMN Morris graduates are career-ready scholars, creative problem solvers, and community contributors. Learn more at morris.umn.edu or call 888-866-3382.