- Who: Indian River State College trustees and administrators
- What: Proposal to end men’s and women’s swimming and diving and move other sports to Division II
- Where: Fort Pierce-based college; meeting in Okeechobee on Oct. 27
Indian River State College could end its men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs, a proposal that trustees will see next week. The plan would also move baseball, softball, and men’s basketball down to Division II competition, according to the agenda for the Oct. 27 committee meeting.
What the Restructuring Plan Would Change
The recommendations come from the college president and cabinet, per the agenda. They call for both swimming and diving programs to end beginning with the 2027-28 academic year.
Baseball, softball, and men’s basketball would move to Division II that same year. The agenda notes that volleyball already competes at that level.
The plan also includes a provision on women’s basketball. Administrators would be directed to study whether the program could return for the 2028-29 season. The agenda says that would depend on whether resources are available.
The agenda does not explain why swimming and diving were chosen for elimination. It also gives no figures on what the restructuring would cost or save, so the financial case has not been made public in the meeting documents.
A Program With a National Record
The proposal lands on one of the most decorated teams in the state. The IRSC men’s swim and dive team won its 52nd consecutive national championship in March, according to WPTV. The women’s team claimed its 48th national title the same month.
Swimmers have already begun organizing to save the teams, WPTV reported. Among those it spoke with was sophomore Kalla Hall, who came to the college from Australia to train under head coach Sion Brinn.
The college is based in Fort Pierce and serves St. Lucie County and the surrounding region. Any change to its athletic offerings would affect current student-athletes and recruits who planned to compete there.
Meeting Details and What Comes Next
The Governance & Legislative Affairs Committee is scheduled to take up the recommendations on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Committee meetings begin at 9:30 a.m. The full District Board of Trustees meets at 1 p.m. the same day.
Both sessions will be held in the Williamson Conference Center Auditorium on the Dixon Hendry Campus, at 2229 NW 9th Avenue in Okeechobee. The meetings are open to the public.
The agenda lists the items as recommendations scheduled for committee approval. It does not say whether the full board must also vote before the changes take effect. Anyone who wants to follow the issue can review the posted agenda on the college’s website or attend in person.
Editorial image credit: Aiden James / Shutterstock.com
