Fresno City College will add another team to its athletic program in the spring of 2016.

According to Loraine Smith, dean of applied health, physical education and athletics. A women’s swimming and diving team will be created to meet Title IX requirements.

“We are starting a swim team next year, it’s exciting new program,” said Water Polo Head Coach Gianna Rossi.

Rossi will be also be the FCC’s new Swim and Dive in the Spring of 2016.

This allows FCC and volley swimmers to have a sport to compete all year around.

“We have 19 sports teams with another being added,” said Smith. “We will be competing” Fresno City College has one of the most successful athletic programs in the state.

One of Smith’s goals is to upgrade the facilities, particularly the main gymnasium which needs safer bleachers and handicap accessible accommodations.

“I hope the new upgrades will allow for everyone to come and enjoy our games as comfortably as possible,” said Women’s Basketball coach, Brian Tessler.

A possible future addition to the sport offering at FCC is Sand Volleyball. Smith said these options will increase the appeal of the athletic program at FCC.

Meanwhile, Smith has been overseeing the athletic program since Susan Yates retired at the end of the Fall 2014 semester.

“As dean of athletics, I’m above the Athletics Department,” said Smith. “We are in the process of looking for a new athletic director.”

Smith has high hopes for FCC athletics, including getting students to attend more athletics events and show more school pride at the games.

In 2012, the FCC Athletic Department received the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup, the crowning achievement in college athletics. It honored institutions offering a broad-based program, achieving success in many sports, both men’s and women’s.