UNF Makes a Splash with New Competition Pool!

The ribbon has been cut for the University of North Florida’s new Aquatic Complex!

Located behind the Student Wellness Complex, the new Aquatic Complex is home to swimmers in UNF's NCAA Division I Women's Swimming program. The facility features a new, Olympic-size, 50-meter x 25-yard competition pool. Sized with 9 lanes in the long course direction and 20 lanes in the short course direction, the pool is designed to host a multitude of student aquatic activities, from swim competitions and training to water polo matches and more. 

The project also includes new facilities for locker rooms, athletic offices, and support facilities for the pool, totaling approximately 7,600 square feet. The pool and facilities were designed sustainably and includes Natural Gas heating and low water usage backwash.

The Impact of Athletic Facilities on Recruitment

Being in the state of Florida presents a gold mine of swimming recruits. There’s just one problem: larger schools often have their way in recruiting. UNF Swimming Head Coach Ian Coffey is optimistic that the new Aquatic Center will elevate UNF to the next level.

“[The new facility] has a big impact on recruiting,” Coffey said. “Having a brand new facility that’s gonna be the nicest and fastest facility in northeast Florida, it’s a great recruiting tool. People get to know that they get to swim in this great facility for the next four years.”

The construction of this new pool brings UNF Athletics up to the Title IX requirement that the men’s and women’s programs receive the same level of service, facilities, supplies and etc.

The swim team then ceremoniously took the first laps in the new Olympic Pool.