Loyola University New Orleans is returning to the NCAA for the 2027-2028 school year, ending decades in the NAIA. That includes the school’s successful swimming and diving program.
The school was an NCAA institution until 1972, when it discontinued its intercollegiate athletics program. Varsity sports were reinstated in 1991 via a student referendum, but as an NAIA institution.
Now the school is making the leap back to the NCAA in Division II. Division II allows schools to offer athletic scholarships – with a maximum of 8.1 equivalents per team. That is similar to the maximum 8.0 equivalents allowed in the NAIA.
The school is expected to clear regulations and achieve full NCAA D2 membership by the 2029-2030 academic year after a two year provisional membership period.
The school will compete primarily as a member of the Gulf South Conference, which does not sponsor a swimming and diving championship. SwimSwam reached out to Loyola to ask about their conference plans.
Other current members of the GSC with swimming and diving programs, including Delta State and outgoing West Florida (move to Division I) compete in the NSISC.
The Loyola women finished 9th out of 9 teams at the Sun Conference Championships last year and the men’s team finished 7th out of 9 teams. The Sun Conference is arguably the strongest conference in NAIA athletics.
The Loyola men finished 15th at the NAIA National Championships, led by senior Monty-Moore Yetter. He finished 14th in the 100 breaststroke (55.88), 13th in the 200 breaststroke (2:03.27), and 15th in the 200 IM (1:52.82).
The Loyola women finished 23rd, with all four points scored by freshman Emma Romero via a 13th-place finish in the 1650 free (18:14.07).
About Loyola University New Orleans
“This is a transformative moment for Loyola University New Orleans and for Wolf Pack Athletics,” said Loyola University President Dr. Xavier A. Cole. “This move reflects our institutional growth and the direction we are heading as a university. We are continuing to elevate Loyola on the national stage while deepening our commitment to our students, alumni, and community. Returning to NCAA competition aligns with our mission and our aspirations for the future. We are investing in opportunity, infrastructure, and most importantly, the student experience, ensuring that Loyola remains a destination for students seeking excellence in academics, athletics, and personal growth.”
A private Catholic school, Loyola has an undergraduate enrollment of just over 3,000 students. The school, like many small private schools around the country, has seen dramatic drops in enrollments. The average freshman class historically hovered around 800 students, but fell to 580 in fall 2024.
Loyola University New Orleans will become the only NCAA D2 university in the state of Louisiana.
