Walsh University is expanding its NCAA Division II athletic program by introducing men's and women's swimming and diving teams. These new teams are scheduled to begin competing in the 2026–27 academic year, increasing the university's total number of NCAA sports to 25 and overall athletic programs to 28. This expansion aligns with Walsh’s mission to use athletics as a platform for developing leadership skills such as communication, resilience, honesty, and generosity—qualities that employers highly value.

"Adding swimming and diving is a forward-thinking investment in our students’ futures," stated Christina Paone, Vice President for Athletics and Athletic Director. "Through sport, our scholar-athletes learn to lead with integrity, adapt to adversity, and work collaboratively—skills that last a lifetime and set them apart in the workforce. Our mission is to develop servant leaders, and athletics is one of our most powerful tools."

The new teams will compete in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), known for its strong tradition in swimming and diving through its partnership with the Mountain East. The sport enjoys popularity in Northeast Ohio due to high school participation levels and prestigious events held at venues like the University of Akron.

In recent achievements, Walsh University athletes have excelled academically as well as athletically. During the 2024–25 academic year, 326 Cavaliers were named to the G-MAC Academic All-Conference team—the third highest total in the league—with three athletes earning All-American status.

The university provides comprehensive support for its athletes through a collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital Sports Medicine. This partnership ensures more than 800 athletes receive top-tier care from a dedicated team of sports medicine professionals.

This initiative also advances Walsh University's "30 by 30" plan aiming to offer 30 sports by 2030 while promoting leadership experiences grounded in faith, community service, integrity, and excellence.

At Walsh University, every sport serves as an opportunity for building leaders on various platforms including fields and pools.