NJCAA Selects Host Sites for 2026, 2027, and 2028 Swimming and Diving Championships
Charlotte, NC – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has awarded the host sites for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 NJCAA Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Championships. Indian River State College will host in 2026 and 2028, and Evansville, Indiana will host in 2027.
Explore Evansville will host the national meets at the Deaconess Aquatic Center in Evansville, IN, on March 3-6, 2027.
"We are thrilled to host our very first National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship in Evansville, Indiana," said Aaron King, Assistant Director of Sports Development with Explore Evansville. "Over the past few years, our city has solidified its reputation as a destination for premiere tournaments and national championships, offering unforgettable experiences to student athletes. We're thrilled to roll out the red carpet for the NJCAA, and Deaconess Aquatic Center provides the perfect backdrop for this occasion."
Explore Evansville champions a vibrant sports community, serving as a hub for over 65 sporting events in 2024 alone. Among these, the city has hosted six collegiate conference and national championships, alongside a prestigious high school state championship, growing Evansville's reputation as a leading destination for youth and amateur athletics.
"We are excited about the opportunity to host our championships in the new Deaconess Aquatic Center," NJCAA Swimming and Diving Committee Chair, Steve Mullen, said. "It is a beautiful facility that our student-athletes and coaches will enjoy. NJCAA Swimming and Diving has seen significant growth in the Midwest over the last decade and this championship in Evansville allows us to bring the event closer to communities and fans of those member colleges."
Indian River State College, in Fort Pierce, Florida, will host the national championships at the aquatics complex on the main campus. The meets will take place on March 4-7, 2026, and March 1-4, 2026.
"We are honored that NJCAA has selected Indian River State College to host the 2026 and 2028 Swimming and Diving Championships," Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President said. "This selection reflects our longstanding partnership with NJCAA and our shared commitment to excellence in collegiate athletics. Given Indian River State College's remarkable legacy in swimming and diving, including our unprecedented national championship streak, there's no more fitting venue for these prestigious events. We look forward to welcoming the nation's top student-athletes to our world-class facilities and continuing our tradition of hosting exceptional championship competitions."
The Indian River State College aquatics complex includes one 25-yard x 25-meter pool with diving well and maxi flex boards and one 50-meter x 25-yard swimming pool. Indian River State hosted the 2024 Swimming and Diving Championships.
"Indian River State College has had a long and successful history of hosting the NJCAA Swimming and Diving Championships," Mullen commented. "The support that the college and community give to the championships makes it a very special week for all of the participating student-athletes and coaches."
About Explore Evansville
Explore Evansville (ECVB) is a 501(c)(3) destination management organization that serves as the official sales and marketing agency for tourism in Evansville, Indiana and Vanderburgh County. Explore Evansville is dedicated to marketing and supporting local hotels and attractions and enhancing the area's economy by selling the region as a premier destination for conventions, meetings, sports events, leisure, and business. Additionally, Explore Evansville operates the Evansville Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art, multi-use sports facility, home to Deaconess Sports Park and Goebel Soccer Complex. For more information, visit exploreevansville.com.
About Deaconess Aquatic Center
The Deaconess Aquatic Center (DAC), opened in August 2021, stands adjacent to historic Bosse Field. It features two sections - competitive and recreational - each with dedicated locker rooms. The Lilly King Competition Pool, a 50-meter stretch named after Evansville's own swimming sensation, offers flexibility for swimming and diving competitions. Equipped with 1-meter and 3-meter Durafirm Maxiflex springboards, relay touch pads, and a timing system from Colorado Time Systems, it ensures precision and quality. With nearly 1,000 spectator seats, the center has already hosted prestigious events like the Great Lakes Valley Conference and Missouri Valley Conference Championships. Looking forward, in addition to hosting the NJCAA in 2027, DAC will host the NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Championships in 2026.
About Indian River State College:
Indian River State College, serving Florida's Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 120 programs leading to bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas.
