Liberty Voted 2nd In American Conference Swimming & Diving Preseason Poll
9/24/2026 11:05:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty was predicted to finish second in the American Conference Swimming & Diving Preseason Poll, announced today by league officials.
The poll was voted upon by all nine American Conference swimming & diving head coaches.
Liberty joined the American Conference as an affiliate member in swimming & diving on July 1, 2025 along with James Madison and Marshall. All three programs will begin their second season in The American this fall.
Two-time defending American Conference champion Rice was picked as the preseason favorite, receiving 63 points and seven first-place votes. Liberty is second with 58 points and two first-place votes after finishing as the runner-up at the 2026 American Conference Swimming & Diving Championship. Tulane (43) edged out FIU (42) for third place. East Carolina (36) and James Madison (32) were voted fifth and sixth, respectively. FAU (26), North Texas (15) and Marshall (9) round out the poll.
Under the direction of 17th-year Head Coach Jake Shellenberger, the Lady Flames won seven straight conference championships, between the CCSA (2019-23) and Atlantic Sun (2024, 2025).
Liberty will host the 2027 American Athletic Conference Swimming & Diving Championships, Feb. 17-20 at Liberty Natatorium.
Liberty opens its regular-season schedule next Friday and Saturday, competing in a tri meet in Christiansburg, Va., with Virginia Tech and Penn State.
American Conference Swimming & Diving Preseason Poll
1. Rice (7) 63
2. Liberty (2) 58
3. Tulane 43
4. FIU 42
5. East Carolina 36
6. James Madison 32
7. FAU 26
8. North Texas 15
9. Marshall 9
The poll was voted upon by all nine American Conference swimming & diving head coaches.
Liberty joined the American Conference as an affiliate member in swimming & diving on July 1, 2025 along with James Madison and Marshall. All three programs will begin their second season in The American this fall.
Two-time defending American Conference champion Rice was picked as the preseason favorite, receiving 63 points and seven first-place votes. Liberty is second with 58 points and two first-place votes after finishing as the runner-up at the 2026 American Conference Swimming & Diving Championship. Tulane (43) edged out FIU (42) for third place. East Carolina (36) and James Madison (32) were voted fifth and sixth, respectively. FAU (26), North Texas (15) and Marshall (9) round out the poll.
Under the direction of 17th-year Head Coach Jake Shellenberger, the Lady Flames won seven straight conference championships, between the CCSA (2019-23) and Atlantic Sun (2024, 2025).
Liberty will host the 2027 American Athletic Conference Swimming & Diving Championships, Feb. 17-20 at Liberty Natatorium.
Liberty opens its regular-season schedule next Friday and Saturday, competing in a tri meet in Christiansburg, Va., with Virginia Tech and Penn State.
American Conference Swimming & Diving Preseason Poll
1. Rice (7) 63
2. Liberty (2) 58
3. Tulane 43
4. FIU 42
5. East Carolina 36
6. James Madison 32
7. FAU 26
8. North Texas 15
9. Marshall 9
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