SALISBURY, N.C. — The Catawba College men's and women's swimming teams will begin the 2026-27 season ranked among the nation's top Division II programs, as the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) released its preseason rankings Tuesday.

The Catawba women are ranked seventh nationally with 180 points, while the Catawba men enter the season ranked 11th with 149 points. The women's ranking marks the highest in program history. 

The women's team is one of 25 programs represented in the CSCAA Division II preseason Top 25. Defending NCAA champion Nova Southeastern earned the top spot with 245 points, followed by Tampa, Colorado Mesa, Drury and Indianapolis. Grand Valley is sixth with 199 points, while Catawba follows at No. 7.

On the men's side, Catawba is one of 24 teams ranked in the preseason poll. Drury received the top ranking with 243 points, followed by Tampa, Indianapolis, Colorado Mesa and Wingate. Catawba is ranked 11th, sitting behind Nova Southeastern and ahead of Lynn.

The preseason rankings are voted on by committees of Division II coaches from programs and conferences across the country. Teams are evaluated based on head-to-head performances, nationally ranked performances, significant performances from previous competition, invitational and championship-style results, as well as the quality and depth of performances across events.

The Catawba Indians will look to build on the preseason recognition as they begin competition in the 2026-27 season in Charlotte, N.C against Queens University of Charlotte 1 p.m. Oct. 9