PISCATAWAY, N.J. (June 17, 2013) – Lauren O’Donnell has been named the new Rutgers assistant swimming coach, head coach Phil Spiniello announced Monday.
“I am very excited to welcome Lauren to the Scarlet Knight family,” said Spiniello. “Her past experience as a head coach and overall knowledge of the sport will add a great component to our program and help us continue to build.”
Most recently, O’Donnell served one year as the assistant men’s and women’s swim coach at Florida State University. In her time with the Seminoles, she managed all aspects of coaching the middle distance/stroke/IM group, while also serving as the women’s recruiting coordinator. In her one season, the Seminoles finished 23rd and 31st nationally in men’s and women’s swimming, while each team took fourth at the ACC Championships.
Prior to her time at FSU, O’Donnell was the head swim coach at Juniata College for three years from 2009-2012. There, she administered the workout program for the women’s swim team, monitored performance in the classroom and performed all administrative duties. The Eagles improved under O’Donnell, going 19-26 in dual meets over three years and expanding the roster size. She helped Juniata to its best finish in the Landmark Conference in 2012, taking fifth place.
Her other coaching experience included one year as a swimming assistant at SUNY Paltz for two years and a graduate assistant for three years at her alma mater, The College of New Jersey.
O’Donnell graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and English in May 2004, later earning her Master of Education in Athletic Administration and Athletic Management in December 2006.
As a swimmer at TCNJ, she was a six-time NCAA Division III qualifier (2001-2004), a two-time NCAA All-American and the TCNJ women’s swimming captain in 2004. She also earned NJAC All-Conference honors four times and was the Metropolitan Conference Rookie of the Year in 2001.
The above is a press release submitted to SwimSwam unedited.
Terrific and continued success in coaching. Remember you when, no mention of GCIT in resume.
Lauren is an awesome coach, and Rutgers is lucky to have her!