Hastings College adds swimming and diving, women’s flag football to NAIA varsity sports lineup

Hastings, Nebraska) – Hastings College is expanding its athletic offerings, announcing today the addition of three varsity NAIA sports: men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and women’s flag football.

Athletic Director Chris Clements said the additions support the College’s commitment to investing in student opportunities and performance excellence.

“This is an exciting time for Bronco Athletics. We’re strategically adding programs that are in demand,” Clements said. “Women’s flag football is exploding in popularity across the NAIA, and we’re excited to be part of that movement. Adding swimming and diving allows us to welcome a new, dedicated group of student-athletes to our campus community.”

The three new varsity sports will begin competition in the 2026-27 academic year. Men’s and women’s swimming and diving will compete as a winter sport, while women’s flag football will take the field in the spring.

In women’s flag football, the Broncos will join fellow GPAC schools, Midland University and College of Saint Mary, along with KCAC regulars in Ottawa University, Kansas Wesleyan University, Southwestern College, Bethel College and the University of Saint Mary. Baker University, William Woods University, Graceland University and Cottey College make up the rest of the KCAC for flag football.

The addition of the swimming and diving programs is made possible through a community partnership with the YMCA of Hastings, which will serve as the team's practice and competition facility.

“This initiative is a wonderful example of community collaboration,” Clements said. “We are immensely thankful to the YMCA of Hastings. Their partnership is key and allows us to provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes.”

"We are extremely pleased that the Hastings Family YMCA can provide a fantastic facility to support the newest collegiate athletic program at Hastings College,” YMCA of Hastings CEO Troy Stickels said. “Our pool is a valuable community asset, and we are fortunate to be able to share it to make collegiate swimming a reality right here in Hastings."

Hastings High School Activities Director Tracy Douglas also expressed excitement for the Hastings community as a whole with the addition of swimming and diving.

“Adding swimming at Hastings College opens a great pathway for our local high school swimmers to continue competing at the collegiate level — something that’s been missing in our area for far too long,” Douglas said.

The College will begin immediate national searches for head coaches for the new teams.