The University of Nebraska at Omaha has announced the launch of a men’s swimming and diving program. The Mavericks will become the first Division I program in Nebraska since the University of Nebraska-Lincoln eliminated its men’s team in 2002.

The decision to add a sport stands in stark contrast to a college athletics landscape that has seen over three hundred teams eliminated since March, but is fitting for a city that has been home to USA Olympic Team Trials - Swimming since 2008.

The decision to add men’s swimming isn’t just a result of Omaha becoming the epicenter of the nation’s swimming community. It’s one that campus leaders expect to benefit the University both in the pool and the classroom while helping the state recruit and retain talented, educated young professionals

A native Nebraskan, Greg Earhart, Executive Director of the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA) was ebullient upon learning the news. “Getting a men’s program established in my hometown has been a goal ever since Creighton eliminated swimming following my freshman year in college. Athletic director [Trev] Alberts and Chancellor [Jeffrey] Gold deserve a lot of credit for thinking boldly and doing something that will benefit the athletic department, the university and the Nebraska economy”

Since 2017, Nebraska has produced thirty-seven Division I swimmers, none of whom has remained in state. Before enjoying Olympic success, the pair had committed to swim for the Cornhuskers. After UNL’s decision to eliminate the men’s team however, Mania opted for Wisconsin while Usher committed to Wyoming. It’s an exodus that has gone noticed by Kansas head coach and College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA) Past President Clark Campbell. “For years, I’ve watched Nebraska’s best boys leave to go elsewhere, and now, with Omaha, they will have a reason to stay in state.”

The benefits of swimming extend beyond the water however. Campus leaders see it as a way to tap into an even deeper talent pool of students. According to SwimCloud, which tracks college recruiting, swimmers from Nebraska score nearly six points higher than their non-swimming peers, and once enrolled gravitate towards some of the most rigorous majors. According to Earhart, more than 60% of men’s Division I swimmers pursue majors in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields with another third enrolling in business administration.

Academic Accolades

When compared to their high school peers, swimmers consistently score higher on standardized achievement tests. Research from SwimCloud shows that swimmers from the Cornhusker state scored nearly six points higher on the ACT than their peers.

Once on campus, collegiate swimmers and divers not only excel in the classroom, they do so while pursuing some of the most rigorous majors. Over 60% of men’s Division I swimmers pursue majors in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields with another third enrolling in business administration.

Competitive Charge

In adding men, Omaha stands to benefit competitively. According to the CSCAA, the presence of a men's team typically increases a women's team conference finish by 1/2 place in an eight-team field. and since 2016 more than 80% of conference titles were won by co-ed teams. Since its arrival in 2014 Denver University has won every men’s and women’s Summit League Championship.

Statewide Impact

In addition to the hosting of the USA Olympic Team Trials - Swimming, the city of Omaha has become a hub of intercollegiate sports. It has been home to the NCAA College World Series since 1950, the 2010 NCAA Division I wrestling and 2020 NCAA Division I volleyball championships. These events have helped fuel the local economy but the addition of swimming and diving will have broader, more lasting implications on the broader economy by helping the state recruit talented students and retain accomplished graduates. The CSCAA estimates that the recurring economic impact of each Omaha swimming and diving graduates will produce $8,605 in tax revenue, $48,760 direct economic spending and an additional $267,692 in indirect economic spending each year.

Interested swimmers and divers can learn more and submit a recruiting questionnaire.