Cal State Bakersfield's Swim and Dive team will return to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) for the 2026-27 season after the Big West announced it would no longer sponsor these sports. The decision to join the MPSF was made swiftly by the athletics department to ensure student-athletes can continue competing for championships. With Shane Pelton as the new Director of Swimming and Diving, there is optimism for future success. The MPSF has historically served as a key competitive platform for Olympic sports, supporting numerous teams across the western United States.

By the Numbers
  • The MPSF currently sponsors competition for 16 Olympic sports.
  • 104 teams from 60 universities participate across 22 states and two countries in MPSF events.
State of Play
  • CSUB Swim and Dive previously competed in the MPSF before moving to the Big West.
  • The last tenure in the MPSF included a team championship win in 2011 and 13 individual conference titles.
What's Next

CSUB Swim and Dive plans to capitalize on the MPSF's competitive environment, aiming for team and individual success in upcoming seasons. There will likely be a focus on recruitment and enhancing athletic performance under new leadership.

Bottom Line

The transition back to the MPSF represents a significant opportunity for CSUB's Swim and Dive program, positioning it to regain prominence within collegiate swimming and diving competitions while fostering athlete development and success.