MIAMI (Nov. 17, 2014) – Head Coach Randy Horner has announced the addition of a new volunteer assistant coach to the FIU swimming and diving program. Zach McGinnis, a former five-time All-American and two-time ACC Champion at Virginia Tech, has joined FIU’s coaching staff.
“I’m happy to welcome Zach to our staff,” said head coach Randy Horner. “His experience swimming at the elite level will be an asset in our program. He has been coached by some great coaches in his career and has a lot to share”
As a collegiate athlete, McGinnis earned Freshman of the Year honors at the Kentucky and competed on the 200 medley and 400 medley relays at the SEC Championships. Following his freshman year, he transferred to Virginia Tech, where he became one of the most successful swimmers in school history. During his junior season, McGinnis won his first Atlantic Coast Conference title in the men’s 100-yard backstroke and All-American Honorable Mention honors in the men’s 200-yard backstroke at the 2012 NCAA Championships.
During the 2012-2013 season, he posted the fastest time in the country in the men’s 100-yard backstroke at the H2Okie Fall Invitational and was undefeated in the 100 backstroke in dual meets. He ended his season with five ACC Championship medals, an Atlantic Coast Conference title and record in the men’s 4×100 medley relay, along with four All-American Honorable Mentions at the NCAA Championships.
Zach launched his professional swimming career in 2013 and currently trains in Miami while representing the New York Athletic Club.
Swimming Accomplishments: 5x All American, 2x ACC Champion, former ACC record holder (400 medley relay), 2012 and 2016 Olympic Trials qualifier, 6x VT school record holder (currently holds 100 backstroke and 400 medley relay records).
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The above is a press release submitted by the FIU Athletics Department.
Very impressive ! Good Luck in your new venture.