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NCAA swimming and diving | Josh Forsythe named Walsh University's first head coach

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 6:26 GMT by The Repository

John Forsythe Takes the Helm of Walsh University’s Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Programs

On October 8, 2025 the Canton Repository reported that Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, has named former Division I coach John Forsythe its first-ever head coach for both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams. The announcement marked a historic moment for the university’s fledgling aquatic program, which has been steadily building momentum under the guidance of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and the NCAA’s Division II structure.

A Brief Look at Forsythe’s Pedigree

Forsythe, 52, brings an impressive résumé that spans more than two decades of coaching at the collegiate level. Prior to joining Walsh, he served as the head coach at the University of Dayton (a Division I program) from 2008 to 2022, compiling a 150‑50 record and earning the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year award twice. He was instrumental in guiding Dayton to three NCAA Tournament appearances, most notably a 5th‑place finish in 2014.

His coaching philosophy—centered on “holistic athlete development, academic success, and a culture of accountability”—has earned him national recognition. In 2021, Forsythe was featured in Swimming World for his innovative approach to strength and conditioning that blends underwater video analysis with biomechanical feedback.

Walsh University’s Vision for Growth

Walsh University, which fields athletic teams in the OVC, has been investing heavily in its swimming and diving facilities. The new 3‑acre Aquatic Center opened in 2023, featuring an eight‑lane, 50‑meter pool, diving platforms, and a state‑of‑the‑art training suite. The university’s president, Dr. Marla Jensen, praised the move, stating that “the Aquatic Center represents our commitment to student‑athletes and the broader community. With Forsythe at the helm, we’re poised to elevate our program to national prominence.”

The decision to hire a single head coach for both men’s and women’s teams reflects a long‑term strategy to unify the program’s culture and streamline recruitment. According to the university’s athletic director, Kevin O’Neill, “John’s experience, proven track record, and collaborative style make him uniquely qualified to lead both squads. His leadership will set a standard for excellence and consistency across the program.”

What the Repository Reported

The Canton Repository’s coverage, which included a direct interview with Forsythe, highlighted several key points:

1. A Historic First: Forsythe is the first coach in Walsh history to oversee both men’s and women’s swimming and diving, a role that was previously split between two separate hires. This consolidation is expected to foster a stronger sense of unity and shared identity among athletes.

2. Recruiting Ambitions: Forsythe expressed excitement about tapping into Ohio’s rich high‑school swimming talent pool, as well as recruiting internationally. “We’re going to build a brand that athletes want to be part of,” he said, referencing the program’s new reputation for academic support and competitive opportunities.

3. Academic Integration: Emphasis on academics is a recurring theme. Forsythe noted that Walsh’s current athletes maintain a 3.2 GPA average and that he intends to continue that trend. He pointed out that the university’s Student‑Athlete Support Center provides individualized tutoring, which has contributed to the team’s recent successes.

4. Community Engagement: The coach plans to launch outreach initiatives, such as open‑house swim clinics for local youth and a partnership with the North Canton YMCA. “Community involvement is integral to our identity,” he explained.

5. Long‑Term Goals: Forsythe set an ambitious target: finishing in the top ten at the NCAA Division II Championships within five years, and securing an OVC title by the end of his first full season.

A Broader View: The OVC Landscape

The article contextualized Walsh’s hiring within the competitive landscape of the OVC, a conference that includes teams such as the University of Missouri–Kansas City, Ashland University, and Urbana University. Over the past decade, the OVC has been recognized for its parity, with teams often swapping top positions in conference standings. Forsythe’s arrival is seen as a catalyst that could shift the balance.

According to the repository’s sports analyst, the OVC’s current men’s and women’s champions are the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) and Ashland University, respectively. Walsh’s new leadership seeks to disrupt this status quo by developing athletes who can compete at a high national level while maintaining academic excellence—a dual mandate that the report noted is increasingly rare in Division II.

Follow‑Up Links and Additional Resources

The article linked to multiple resources for readers interested in deeper dives:

• Walsh University Athletics Page – provides the official team roster, schedule, and upcoming events.
• John Forsythe’s Coaching Profile – outlines his previous coaching stops, awards, and coaching philosophy.
• NCAA Division II Swimming & Diving Regulations – details compliance requirements and eligibility rules.

In reviewing these links, the repository also highlighted the university’s recent scholarship awards, including a $10,000 full‑ride scholarship for a promising 200‑meter freestyle swimmer who committed to Walsh for the 2025–26 season.

Final Thoughts

John Forsythe’s appointment marks a pivotal chapter for Walsh University’s swimming and diving program. The repository’s comprehensive report underscores both the historical significance of the move and the high expectations that accompany it. By uniting the men’s and women’s teams under a single visionary, Walsh University is positioning itself as an emerging contender on the national stage—while simultaneously reinforcing its commitment to academic success and community engagement. As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on North Canton to see whether Forsythe’s blend of experience, innovation, and culture can deliver the promised leap forward for Walsh’s aquatic athletes.