The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is home to some of the most competitive and rapidly growing women’s athletic programs in the country. While often overlooked in national conversations dominated by Power Five schools, MAC women’s sports continue to produce standout athletes, championship contenders, and programs that shine on regional and national stages. From the pool to the hardwood to the lacrosse field, the MAC is evolving into a true powerhouse in women’s athletics.

Akron Women’s Swimming & Diving: A Championship Standard

When discussing MAC women’s sports excellence, the Akron Zips women’s swimming & diving program is impossible to ignore. Akron has built a dynasty in recent years, dominating the conference with multiple MAC titles and sending swimmers and divers to NCAA Championships.

The program is known for:

Elite sprint and mid-distance swimmers. Consistent NCAA qualifiers. Depth across all strokes and relays and a culture of development that turns recruits into championship performers

Akron’s continued success has elevated the MAC’s national reputation in the water, proving that mid-major programs can compete with—and often outperform—larger schools.

Women’s Lacrosse: A New Era, Led by Programs Like Akron

Women’s lacrosse is one of the MAC’s newest and fastest-growing sports, and Akron has quickly emerged as a program on the rise. Though newer than many established conference sports, MAC lacrosse is already producing competitive matchups and high-scoring battles.

Akron’s women’s lacrosse team has made steady progress, building a young but growing foundation with: dynamic midfielders and attackers, improved recruiting classes, strong defensive development and increased visibility in the mid American conference.

As the sport continues to grow nationwide, Akron is well-positioned to become a consistent contender in MAC lacrosse, contributing to the conference’s expanding footprint in women’s athletics.

Volleyball: A Tradition of Excellence

MAC women’s volleyball has long been one of the conference’s strongest offerings. Teams like Bowling Green, Ball State, and Western Michigan consistently rank among the top mid-major teams nationally. A combination of elite coaching, strong recruiting, and high-energy play has turned MAC volleyball into a must-watch season after season.

Women’s Basketball: Depth and Postseason Success

Women’s basketball remains one of the MAC’s most nationally respected sports. Programs such as Toledo, Buffalo, and Central Michigan have produced NCAA Tournament wins and deep WNIT runs. The conference prides itself on fast-paced offense, hard-nosed defense, and a competitive balance that creates one of the most exciting postseason tournaments in mid-major basketball.

Track & Field and Cross Country: Quietly Elite

The MAC boasts nationally competitive women’s track & field and cross country programs. Schools like Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, and Akron regularly produce NCAA qualifiers, standout sprinters, and record-setting distance runners. The conference championships often feature athletes who go on to compete in Olympic Trials and national finals.

Soccer, Softball, and More: Expanding Excellence

Beyond the high-profile sports, MAC women’s soccer and softball continue to rise. Kent State, Ohio, Miami (OH), and Buffalo have put together strong postseason pushes, while Central Michigan remains a historic powerhouse in softball. The entire conference continues to deepen its competitiveness across all women’s sports.

The Future: Bright, Competitive, and Nationally Relevant

The Mid-American Conference is in a golden era for women’s athletics. With programs like Akron swimming & diving setting the standard and Akron lacrosse building momentum, the MAC is proving its ability to develop champions and elevate women’s sports across the board. As investment grows and talent pours into the conference, expect even more national recognition—and more breakthrough performances—from MAC women’s programs.