Hanover to discontinue intercollegiate swimming program - Hanover College
Source: https://www.hanover.edu/about/news/2026/discontinue-swimming-program
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Hanover to discontinue intercollegiate swimming program - Hanover College
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Hanover to discontinue intercollegiate swimming program
Due to ongoing issues created by the lack of an on‑campus aquatic facility, projected increases in operating costs, and sustained challenges with roster size, Hanover College will discontinue its intercollegiate men’s and women’s swimming programs, effective immediately.
Hanover joined the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference prior to the 2018–19 season, with combined men’s and women’s rosters averaging 25 student‑athletes during the programs’ first three seasons. Participation declined significantly during and after the COVID‑19 pandemic, averaging 11 swimmers per year across men’s and women’s teams combined since the 2020–21 season. That decline, combined with anticipated increases in operating expenses has made the program unsustainable.
Since competition began in 2018, Hanover swimmers and coaches represented the College with pride and professionalism. We are grateful to inaugural head coach Blake Braden (2018–22) and to head coach Jay Crawford for their leadership and commitment. This decision does not reflect the effort, dedication, or character of our coaches or student‑athletes.
“Hanover is not immune to the nationwide challenge of meeting the financial demands required to sustain competitive intercollegiate athletics,” said Mark Shook, vice president for athletics. “Our priority is to provide student‑athletes with the best possible competitive experience. While decisions like this are difficult, student‑athletes are students first and central to our campus community, and we hope affected students will continue to call Hanover College home.”
Please reach out to Mark Shook at
shook@hanover.edu
with any questions.
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Skip to content
Hanover to discontinue intercollegiate swimming program
Due to ongoing issues created by the lack of an on‑campus aquatic facility, projected increases in operating costs, and sustained challenges with roster size, Hanover College will discontinue its intercollegiate men’s and women’s swimming programs, effective immediately.
Hanover joined the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference prior to the 2018–19 season, with combined men’s and women’s rosters averaging 25 student‑athletes during the programs’ first three seasons. Participation declined significantly during and after the COVID‑19 pandemic, averaging 11 swimmers per year across men’s and women’s teams combined since the 2020–21 season. That decline, combined with anticipated increases in operating expenses has made the program unsustainable.
Since competition began in 2018, Hanover swimmers and coaches represented the College with pride and professionalism. We are grateful to inaugural head coach Blake Braden (2018–22) and to head coach Jay Crawford for their leadership and commitment. This decision does not reflect the effort, dedication, or character of our coaches or student‑athletes.
“Hanover is not immune to the nationwide challenge of meeting the financial demands required to sustain competitive intercollegiate athletics,” said Mark Shook, vice president for athletics. “Our priority is to provide student‑athletes with the best possible competitive experience. While decisions like this are difficult, student‑athletes are students first and central to our campus community, and we hope affected students will continue to call Hanover College home.”
Please reach out to Mark Shook at
shook@hanover.edu
with any questions.
Related
Faculty Research & Scholarship
History of Diversity at Hanover
Greek Life
About
Admission & Aid
Academics
Student Life
Athletics
Admitted Students
International Students
Alumni
Giving
Parent Portal
MyHanover
Contact
Campus Map
Employment
Accessibility
Consumer Info / Privacy
About
About Overview
Fast Facts
Mission & Vision
News & Events
Offices & Resources
Leadership
Human Resources
Admission
Admission Overview
Ask for Information
Visit Campus
Apply Now
Deposit
Financial Aid & Costs
Return on Investment
Admission Staff
Transfer Students
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Graduate Financial Aid
Graduate Student Services
Academics
Academics Overview
Majors
Academic Calendars
Study Abroad
Summer Academy
Faculty
Academic Resources
Duggan Library
Gladish Learning Center
Levett Career Center
Registrar
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Graduate Student Services
Student Life
Student Life Overview
Resources for Belonging
Campus Housing
Clubs & Organizations
Campus Safety
Athletics
Panther Pets
Student Life Staff
Student Services
Dining
Health
Counseling