The Atlantic East Conference announced St. Mary’s College of Maryland will join the league as an associate member in men’s and women’s swimming.
“We are excited to welcome St. Mary’s to the Atlantic East as an affiliate member in men’s and women’s swimming,” AEC Commissioner Jessica Huntley said in a press release. “This partnership solidifies and advances the sport within the Atlantic East Conference and provides for an enhanced championship experience for our student athletes.”
St. Mary’s College, currently a member of the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) will join Cabrini University, Immaculata University, Marymount University, Marywood University, Cedar Crest College and Gallaudet University as participating members in men’s and women’s swimming. The Seahawks will be immediately eligible for all-conference awards and the conference’s swimming championships.
“The Atlantic East Conference presented an excellent opportunity for our men’s and women’s swimming programs to challenge themselves by growing and competing at a tremendously high level,” said Crystal Gibson, St. Mary’s College director of athletics and recreation. “The St. Mary’s College of Maryland athletic department is committed to providing a high-quality student-athlete experience for all our student-athletes and this partnership with the AEC exemplifies this charge.”
The Seahawks’ swimming programs both placed third in last year’s CAC championships. St. Mary’s College head coach Casey Brandt has been at the helm of the program since 2016 and has coached 16 All-CAC selections. Additionally, the St. Mary’s College swimming programs have collected 14 College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America Scholar All-America Team awards under the leadership of Brandt.
“We are really happy our men’s and women’s swimming teams were able to find a home with the Atlantic East Conference,” Brandt said. “I’m excited to work with the excellent group of coaches there and look forward to the time we can compete as well.”