GREENVILLE, SC – Conference Carolinas announced plans this week to add the sport of Women's Triathlon in the fall of 2026, becoming the first NCAA conference to sponsor the emerging sport.

This will become the 31^st sport sponsored by the conference.

The conference also announced the addition of four associate members that will join league members Barton College, Emmanuel University and King University in the inaugural season. Concord University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Newberry College and Wingate University will join Conference Carolinas as an associate member in women's triathlon bringing the total membership in 2026-27 to seven institutions.
 
The conference's addition of women's triathlon has been coordinated with USA Triathlon.

"We are incredibly appreciative of Conference Carolinas and Commissioner Chris Colvin for their vision and leadership in establishing the first NCAA Division II Conference Championship in women's triathlon," said Tim Yount, Chief of Sport Development of USA Triathlon. "It's a landmark step that validates the growth of our sport and creates a meaningful championship pathway for our student-athletes."
 
The Emmanuel Triathlon program has been a strength in the Springs, with the Lions coming off a season where they finished 8^th nationally in Division II, and 3^rd in the East Region behind Wingate and Lenoir-Rhyne.

"This is great news for triathlon. We're very excited to have a conference championship opportunity for our triathletes. They have been a great addition to our campus and the athletic department here at Emmanuel," said Emmanuel University Vice President of Athletics Nate Moorman. "We're all very thankful for Chris Colvin's vision and leadership and Conference Carolinas."

"Our Women's Triathlon team is really excited to join Conference Carolinas," said head coach Allen Gilchrest. "Our swim teams have been a part of Conference Carolinas for 7 seasons and have benefited from what the conference provides, including Athlete of the Week awards, Freshmen of the Month awards, Academic honors, and the chance to compete for a conference title. We look forward to being a part of the first conference in NCAA women's triathlon!"
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.