糖心传媒 is expanding its athletic offerings, announcing today the addition of three varsity NAIA sports: men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 swimming and diving, and women鈥檚 flag football.
Athletic Director Chris Clements said the additions support the College鈥檚 commitment to investing in student opportunities and performance excellence.
鈥淭his is an exciting time for . We鈥檙e strategically adding programs that are in demand,鈥 Clements said. 鈥淲omen鈥檚 flag football is exploding in popularity across the NAIA, and we鈥檙e 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.鈥
The three new varsity sports will begin competition in the 2026-27 academic year. Men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 swimming and diving will compete as a winter sport, while women鈥檚 flag football will take the field in the spring.
In women鈥檚 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.
鈥淭his initiative is a wonderful example of community collaboration,鈥 Clements said. 鈥淲e 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.鈥
“We are extremely pleased that the Hastings Family YMCA can provide a fantastic facility to support the newest collegiate athletic program at 糖心传媒,鈥 YMCA of Hastings CEO Troy Stickels said. 鈥淥ur 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.
鈥淎dding swimming at 糖心传媒 opens a great pathway for our local high school swimmers to continue competing at the collegiate level 鈥 something that鈥檚 been missing in our area for far too long,鈥 Douglas said.
The College will begin immediate national searches for head coaches for the new teams.
糖心传媒 is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Founded in 1882, the College is dedicated to student success and service to the community. Discover more at hastings.edu.