Change of Plans: Marshall Decides to Continue Women’s Swim Program

In a surprising about face, Marshall Athletics decided to reverse their previous decision and continue the women’s swimming and dive program.

The decision follows a special meeting of the Marshall University Board of Governors on Wednesday morning and reflects an updated implementation strategy for advancing the university’s commitment to Title IX participation opportunities, financial stewardship, and the long-term sustainability of Marshall Athletics.

Marshall President Brad D. Smith said the original decision regarding Swim & Dive was grounded in three realities facing collegiate athletics: expanding participation opportunities for women, managing the financial realities of intercollegiate athletics, and addressing the infrastructure investments required to sustain Division I swimming facilities.

While he reiterated that those realities remain unchanged, Smith then elaborated further on what triggered the change of plans.

“What changed was the recommended implementation strategy for achieving those goals,” Smith said. “External Title IX consultation indicated that eliminating a women’s program could potentially place the university outside the safe harbor framework of Title IX, even when the long-term result would be an increase in participation opportunities for women.

“When new information changes the pathway forward, responsible leadership reassesses,” he continued.  “This decision allows us to retain the Swim & Dive program while continuing to expand opportunities for women and moving forward constructively for our student-athletes and our university.”

Smith also acknowledged the strong advocacy shown by the student-athletes, their families, and alumni who expressed support for the program in recent weeks.

“The passion and pride shown by these young women and their supporters reflects the very best of Marshall University,” Smith said. “Their voices were heard, and we respect the way they advocated for one another and for a program they love. We remain committed to expanding opportunities for women in athletics while ensuring that Marshall Athletics operates responsibly and sustainably.”

The decision follows a brief legal review. Allison Dodd, a junior and captain on the team as well as the lead plaintiff, celebrated the news.

“We are really happy Marshall is not only keeping our team but is going to help us make the team stronger for the long term,” Dodd said. “We are also thankful for the tremendous support we got from alumni, our families, and the Marshall community. It meant a lot.”

Most of this story originated as a press release.