NAIA Program Hastings College Adds Men’s and Women’s Swimming
Hastings College, an NAIA school in Hastings, Nebraska, is adding men’s and women’s swimming, it announced last week.
Hastings made the additions along with women’s flag football. The sports will begin for the 2026-27 academic year.
“This is an exciting time for Bronco Athletics. We’re strategically adding programs that are in demand,” Athletic Director Chris Clements said in a press release. “Women’s flag football is exploding in popularity across the NAIA, and we’re excited to be part of that movement. Adding swimming and diving allows us to welcome a new, dedicated group of student-athletes to our campus community.”
Swimming and diving will be based out of the YMCA of Hastings, as a practice and competition venue.
“This initiative is a wonderful example of community collaboration,” Clements said. “We are immensely thankful to the YMCA of Hastings. Their partnership is key and allows us to provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes.”
“We are extremely pleased that the Hastings Family YMCA can provide a fantastic facility to support the newest collegiate athletic program at Hastings College,” YMCA of Hastings CEO Troy Stickels said. “Our pool is a valuable community asset, and we are fortunate to be able to share it to make collegiate swimming a reality right here in Hastings.”
Hastings competes in the Great Plains Athletic Conference, which does not sponsor swimming. No conference affiliation was announced with the program launch. Hastings will be eligible to compete in the NAIA Championships.
