LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State making a name for itself in the Western Athletic Conference will now continue past 2023. Director of Athletics Mario Moccia announced today that the Aggies' swimming and diving programs will officially become an affiliate member of the WAC when the majority of NM State's programs are set to make the move to Conference USA on July 1, 2023.
 
The Aggies' swim and dive programs have competed in the WAC since NM State joined the league in 2005 and will extend its tenure with the WAC as Conference USA will no longer sponsor swimming and diving beginning fall of 2022.
 
"We are grateful to remain in the WAC and appreciate the support to stay as an affiliate member," Head Coach Rick Pratt said. "It is a very competitive conference for swimming and diving and we look forward to remaining a positive and strong competitive representative. Maintaining our current rivalries and striving for a WAC Championship will enable our program to continue to move forward."
 
Across the last 17 years, the Aggies have captured nine top-three finishes at the WAC Swimming and Diving Championships, including finishing second at the championships in six of the previous eight years. The WAC remains a highly competitive league as three of the Aggies' conference foes rank among the top 33 programs in the Division I Mid-Major rankings according to SwimCloud.com.
 
NM State will also become the fourth women's swimming and diving affiliate member in the WAC – joining Idaho, Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado.
 
For complete coverage of NM State swimming and diving, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Swimming & Diving), Twitter (@NMStateSwimDive) and Instagram (@NMStateSwimDive)