WALESKA, Ga. – Commissioner Bill Popp is pleased to welcome the University of Tennessee Southern to the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) as an affiliate member in men's and women's swimming & diving.
UT Southern began their swimming programs in 2020-21 and have been competing in the Sun Conference.
"We are so excited to welcome Tennessee Southern Swimming to the AAC as an affiliate member," said Popp. "They have strong leadership and great student-athletes and will add another competitive team to the AAC swimming and diving championships."
With the addition of UT Southern, the AAC will have five schools competing in men's swimming and six in women's swimming, joining Brenau (women only), Columbia, Milligan, Pikeville, and West Virginia University of Technology.
"We are excited to join the Appalachian Athletic Conference as an affiliate member," said UTS Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Brandie Paul. "This move reflects our commitment to creating the best possible experience for our student-athletes while aligning with the vision and mission of UT Southern. Membership in the AAC provides important logistical advantages, including reduced travel demands and stronger regional connections, allowing our swimmers to devote more time to academics, training, and service. We look forward to building lasting relationships within the conference.:
The Firehawks have had four NAIA National Championship Meet qualifiers, all from the women's team. Making it to the national championship meet were Alli Wells (2023, 2025), Anastasia Newton (2025), and Kelsey Shand (2025).
About UT Southern
Location: Pulaski, Tenn.
Founded: 1870
Four-Year Transition Began: 1993
Enrollment: 1046
Nickname: Firehawks
Colors: Dark Gray (PMS Cool Gray 11), Orange (PMS 151), Red (PMS 186)
Affiliation: NAIA
Conference: Southern States Athletic Conference - SSAC; Appalachian Athletic Conference - AAC
Chancellor: Dr. Melinda S. Arnold
Director of Athletics: Brandie Paul
Senior Women's Leader:
Jennifer Carroll
Faculty Athletic Representative:
Dr. Chris Mattingly
Director of Sports Information:
Zach O'Kelley
