NORTH CANTON, OH: Walsh University has named Josh Forsythe as the inaugural Head Coach of its newly established Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving programs. Forsythe's hiring marks a significant step forward in the University's July 2025 announcement to launch both teams, which will begin competition in the 2026–2027 academic year.

A Canton native, Forsythe brings extensive experience in coaching and athletic administration. Over the course of his career, he has successfully developed programs at every level, guiding athletes from youth to Olympic Trial hopefuls. He is recognized for his ability to build teams from the ground up, mentor coaching staff, implement athlete-centered training models, and lead major operational initiatives that prioritize safety and performance.

"Josh Forsythe is the right leader to build our swimming and diving programs from the ground up," said Christina Paone, Vice President for Athletics and Athletic Director. "His proven track record in coaching and program development will be invaluable as we establish competitive teams that align with Walsh's commitment to excellence both on and off the pool deck."

Forsythe shared his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "It's a tremendous honor to be the first swim coach in Walsh history. I've been blown away by the positive energy and excitement about this new program across campus and I can't wait for our first season. I believe in running a process-driven program designed to put our swimmers and divers in the best position to succeed in the pool, in the classroom, and in life. Our program will be centered around strong work ethic, respect, and gratitude. We will be of service to our community and always strive to embody the values of the University. We're going to grow this new program into a top destination in the world of swimming and diving. It's a thrill to be here at the beginning, and I'm looking forward to welcoming our inaugural class of Walsh swimmers and divers."

Forsythe earned his Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University in 2012 and completed his teaching licensure program at Walsh University from 2015 to 2018. He also holds certifications in pool operations, safety, and strength training.

Any student-athletes interested in the Walsh Swimming and Diving program can reach out to Coach Forsythe at jforsythe@walsh.edu or fill out the following questionnaires: 
Men: Walsh University Men's Swimming & Diving Recruiting Questionnaire
Women: Walsh University Women's Swimming & Diving Recruiting Questionnaire

The addition of Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving expands Walsh's NCAA-sponsored athletic offerings to 25 sports and 28 total varsity programs, with both teams set to compete in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). The new programs reinforce Walsh's commitment to developing student-athletes through high-level competition, academic excellence, and leadership.

Walsh Athletics continues to gain national recognition for its holistic approach to student-athlete development. In 2024–25, 326 Cavaliers earned G-MAC Academic All-Conference honors, had three All-Americans, and six Cavs received the Elite 26 award for academic achievement. For the seventh consecutive year, Walsh was named a national finalist for the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence, recognized for the Cavalier Commitment, a student-led initiative promoting sportsmanship and respect for game officials.

This expansion supports Walsh University's bold "30 by 30" initiative, which aims to sponsor 30 varsity sports by 2030.
Any student-athletes interested in the Walsh Swimming and Diving program can