Monmouth College to Discontinue Men's and Women's Water Polo Programs

Decrease in sport's popularity in Midwest, lack of available competitors in region contributed to decision.

by Duane Bonifer

MONMOUTH, Ill. (01/19/2021) — Monmouth College will discontinue its men's and women's varsity water polo programs at the end of the 2020-21 school year.

The men's varsity program began competition in 2012, and the women's program started in 2013. Both programs have attracted students from Illinois and several other U.S. states, but a decrease over the last several years of the number of Midwest high school students who participate in the sport was a major factor in deciding to end the sport on the varsity level for men and women, according to Monmouth Director of Athletics Roger Haynes.

Another factor that contributed to the decision is a lack of opponents available in the Midwest. NCAA Division III women's water polo has a total of 20 programs that compete in California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Minnesota, Wisconsin and New York. Men's water polo has only 15 NCAA Division III programs, and Monmouth is one of only two NCAA Division III programs not located on the East or West coasts.

After the 2020-21 school year, Monmouth will have 22 varsity athletic teams who compete at the NCAA Division III level.

Monmouth College

Monmouth College to Discontinue Men's and Women's Water Polo Programs

Decrease in sport's popularity in Midwest, lack of available competitors in region contributed to decision.

Monmouth College

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