The Notre Dame men’s swimming program is set to make a splash once again, as athletic director Pete Bevacqua recently announced the team’s reinstatement for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The decision comes after a tumultuous period that saw the program suspended for at least one year due to a series of concerning issues.
Last summer, an external investigation uncovered what the program described as “culture concerns” and NCAA violations related to gambling on swimming and other sports. Reports from Sports Illustrated revealed that the team had established its own internal sports book, with a significant number of athletes from the 2024-25 team allegedly participating in betting activities.
In response to these revelations, Bevacqua made the difficult decision to suspend the men’s swimming team, citing the need to address the prevailing cultural dynamics within the program. While the coaching staff was found to be uninvolved in or unaware of the violations, the suspension was deemed necessary to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of the athletic department.
Despite the suspension, the 2024-25 team saw continued participation from two men’s divers, who represented Notre Dame in competitions throughout the year. Notably, the women’s swimming and diving team, as well as the men’s diving team, were found to be uninvolved in the infractions, highlighting the isolated nature of the issues within the men’s swimming program.
Looking back at the team’s recent achievements, Notre Dame’s men’s swimming and diving squad clinched a commendable second-place finish at the 2024 ACC championships, showcasing their competitive prowess on a national stage. Their success continued with a historic 10th place finish at the NCAA championships last March, marking a milestone for the program.
The absence of the men’s swimming program this year was keenly felt, as Notre Dame’s overall performance at the ACC championships saw a drop to 12th place. However, the resilience and determination displayed by the athletes and coaching staff underscored their commitment to upholding the Fighting Irish legacy in collegiate athletics.
Noteworthy contributions from Notre Dame’s men’s swimming program extended beyond collegiate competitions, with several representatives making a mark on the international stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Swimmer Chris Guiliano’s gold medal triumph in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay and head coach Chris Lindauer’s role as an assistant coach for Team USA highlighted the program’s caliber on a global platform. Additionally, Tyler Christianson’s participation in the 200m breaststroke for Panama showcased the diverse talent nurtured within the Notre Dame swimming community.
As the reinstatement of the men’s swimming team signals a fresh start for the program, Bevacqua expressed confidence in the team’s preparedness for the upcoming season. Through a period of introspection and reform, the Notre Dame men’s swimming program has embraced the challenges of the past year, emerging stronger and more resilient in their pursuit of excellence in collegiate swimming.
The journey ahead promises to be a compelling chapter in the storied history of Notre Dame athletics, with the men’s swimming program poised to make a triumphant return to the competitive arena. As the team sets its sights on future victories and milestones, the Fighting Irish community stands united in support of their dedicated athletes and coaches, embodying the spirit of perseverance and determination that defines the Notre Dame legacy.
