RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Wednesday that it will co-host and compete in the 2026 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Swimming & Diving Championships from Feb. 25-28.
 
The championships, co-hosted with the City of Pharr, will take place at the City of Pharr-PSJA Natatorium. In February, UTRGV Swimming & Diving announced its membership in the MPSF, effective for the 2025-26 academic year.
 
"Being selected to host championships not only provides a great experience for our student-athletes but also brings with it a sizeable economic impact to the Rio Grande Valley.  Hosting our third swimming & diving championship in four years is a testament to our strong partnership with the City of Pharr, the tremendous facility we have, and our region," said Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque.
 
"We would like to thank the MPSF and Commissioner Foti Mellis for their support. Together, we will provide a first-class experience for all student-athletes and bring great recognition to the Rio Grande Valley. Beyond the competition, we are excited to welcome more than 500 student-athletes, coaches, and staff from 15 other MPSF programs to the area."
 
This will be the third conference championship held at the natatorium, following UTRGV's hosting of the 2023 and 2024 Western Athletic Conference Swimming & Diving Championships.
 
"The City of Pharr is honored and excited to once again serve as host for a premier collegiate event and to welcome athletes, coaches, families and fans from across the nation to South Texas," said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. "We are proud that our state-of-the-art Pharr Natatorium continues to attract top-tier competitions and showcase South Texas as a premier destination for athletic excellence. Our community takes great pride in providing a world-class venue and warm hospitality, and we look forward to the energy and enthusiasm this championship will bring to Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley," he added. 
 
The MPSF comprises 10 women's swimming and diving teams: California Baptist, Idaho, Incarnate Word, New Mexico State, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, Pacific, Pepperdine, Utah Tech, and UTRGV. The men's side features six teams: Air Force, California Baptist, Incarnate Word, Pacific, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Wyoming.
 
"We are incredibly grateful to UTRGV and the City of Pharr for hosting the 2026 MPSF Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Championships," Mellis said. "With their world-class facility and unwavering support, they are setting the stage for an exceptional experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans. We look forward to an exciting and memorable championship."
 
With the launch of the UTRGV Swimming & Diving program in 2024-25, this meet marks the first conference championship hosted by UTRGV in which its own program will compete.
 
"We are excited to host the championships in our first season as a member of the MPSF," UTRGV Head Swimming & Diving Coach Betsy Graham said. "It is a great honor to be entrusted with a competition of this magnitude, and we are looking forward to showcasing our Division I swimming and diving program in the Rio Grande Valley."

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