DENVER - The University of Denver men's and women's swimming and diving programs have accepted an invitation to join the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, beginning in the 2026-27 season, the MPSF announced on Wednesday.
"We're thrilled to join the MPSF in men's and women's swimming and diving next season," Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations
Josh Berlo said. "I'd like to thank the conference for helping us find a great home for our student-athletes and thank both of our programs for their patience while we found them an appropriate spot to continue to compete for championships while several of our other athletic programs make the transition to the West Coast Conference this summer. I'm excited for the future of our swimming and diving programs."
Denver is one of six athletic departments that accepted an invitation to the MPSF ahead of the upcoming academic year, joining Cal State Bakersfield (M/W), Seattle (M/W), UC San Diego (M/W), UC Santa Barbara (M/W) and San Diego (W). The 17
th MPSF Championship in February (17-20) will feature a record 24 teams, 16 on the women's side and eight on the men's side. Fellow West Coast Conference member Saint Mary's announced in September that it was joining the MPSF for its inaugural season.
"Our program is very excited to be able to compete in the MPSF next season," head swimming and diving coach
Alicia Hicken-Franklin said. "It will provide a greater level of competition that will push our student-athletes to perform at higher levels as they strive to earn qualifying times for the national championships. I'd like to thank
Josh Berlo and the University's leadership for finding our program a great home to continue to compete for championships."
The Pioneers competed in the MPSF on the men's side during the 2013 season, finishing fourth out of 10 teams, while the Pioneer women will make their MPSF debut. The Denver Men and women have dominated the Summit League for the last 13 years, with the women winning all 13 of those conference team titles and the men bringing home the trophy all but once.
Denver's full 2026-27 schedule will be announced next week.
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