Hastings College Expands Sports with Swimming, Diving, and Women’s Flag Football
Hastings College just announced it’s adding three new varsity sports to its NAIA lineup: men’s and women’s swimming and diving, plus women’s flag football. It’s honestly a big move and shows the College wants to boost student opportunities and keep raising the bar for Bronco Athletics.
The new sports will kick off in the 2026-27 academic year. Athletic Director Chris Clements talked up these additions, pointing to the rising popularity of women’s flag football and the College’s new partnership with the YMCA of Hastings for swimming and diving.
Expanding Athletic Opportunities at Hastings College
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Bringing in men’s and women’s swimming and diving, along with women’s flag football, fits right in with Hastings College’s goal to offer more inclusive athletic programs. The hope is that these sports will draw in passionate student-athletes and add some fresh energy to campus life.
The swimming and diving teams will compete in the winter, using the YMCA of Hastings facilities. That partnership matters—it means athletes get solid training and a place to compete.
YMCA of Hastings CEO Troy Stickels sounded genuinely excited about teaming up, calling the community pool a great resource for college sports. It’s not every day you see this kind of collaboration in a town this size.
Women’s Flag Football: A Growing Trend
Women’s flag football is catching on fast in the NAIA, and Hastings College isn’t waiting around. The Broncos will play in the spring against GPAC schools like Midland University and College of Saint Mary.
They’ll also line up against KCAC regulars such as Ottawa University and Kansas Wesleyan University. This move gives more female athletes a shot and puts Hastings College right in the mix as the sport grows.
Community Collaboration and Support
Adding swimming and diving really came together thanks to the partnership with the YMCA of Hastings. Student-athletes now have access to quality facilities for both practice and meets.
Chris Clements gave the YMCA a lot of credit, saying community support is key to making these athletic dreams happen. It’s good to see local organizations stepping up for college sports.
A Pathway for Local Swimmers
Tracy Douglas, the Hastings High School Activities Director, said the new college swimming and diving programs are a big deal for local athletes. Now, high school swimmers in the area can actually keep competing in college without leaving home.
It fills a gap that’s been there for years and opens up a new path for young athletes who want to keep swimming.
Looking Ahead: National Searches for Coaches
With the new sports coming in, Hastings College is jumping right into national searches for head coaches. Landing the right coaches is huge—they’ll set the tone for these programs and help student-athletes reach their potential.
The College is serious about hiring people who know their stuff and care about both academics and athletics. It’s an exciting time, honestly, and there’s a lot to look forward to.
Bronco Athletics Expands with New Sports
Hastings College is adding men’s and women’s swimming and diving, plus women’s flag football. These new sports open fresh opportunities for students and shake up the College’s athletic scene.
It’s not just about more games or events. The College shows real commitment to student success and connecting with the community.
The programs kick off in the 2026-27 academic year. Curious for more details? Check out the official announcement from Hastings College.