PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Little East Conference (LEC) will welcome Westfield State University as an affiliate member in men’s swimming & diving beginning with the 2027–28 season, expanding the university’s partnership with the conference and providing its new program with a conference championship opportunity.

Westfield State’s addition will build upon its existing affiliation in women’s swimming & diving and increase the number of programs competing in the LEC Men’s Swimming & Diving Championship to nine.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Westfield State University to the Little East Conference men’s swimming and diving conference,” said LEC Commissioner Al Bean. “The addition of Westfield State will add depth and strength to our championship meet and enhance the overall championship experience for all of the participating student-athletes. Westfield State has been a good partner and a common opponent in many sports over the years and we are very pleased to expand their involvement as affiliate members of the Little East Conference.”

The move provides Westfield State’s new men’s swimming & diving program with an established conference home alongside its women’s program. The Owls’ relationship with the LEC also includes women’s golf and includes hosting the conference’s recently completed LEC Women’s Golf Championship.

“We’re excited for our men’s swimming & diving program to join the LEC,” said Westfield State Athletics Director Richard Lenfest Jr.. “Competing in the conference alongside our existing women’s program is a natural fit, and our programs have a long history of collaboration with the Little East, including hosting a successful women’s golf championship this past weekend. I’d like to thank Commissioner Al Bean, and the LEC athletic directors and presidents for welcoming our new program. Men’s swimming & diving will be a valuable addition to our athletics program and we have already received interest from students on campus and prospective student-athletes.”

Westfield State will begin LEC competition during the 2027–28 academic year, giving the Owls the opportunity to compete for the conference’s men’s swimming and diving championship. The Owls men’s program will follow the recent additions of the men’s program at UMass Dartmouth, and the men’s and women’s programs from Gordon College for the current 2026-27 academic year.