Jacob Pebley, who placed 5th in the 200-meter backstroke at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, has joined the Yale swimming and diving staff as an assistant coach.
The hiring comes after Pebley spent the last year coaching with the Yale-based Bulldog Swimming Club since last summer, and before that he was the head age group coach for North Coast Aquatics.
Pebley’s wife, Nikki Pebley (née Owens) is currently in an OB/GYN residency at Yale last summer, coinciding with his move to the east coast.
“Jacob is a highly accomplished swimmer, having represented the United States in international competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships. His experience as a competitive athlete will undoubtedly benefit our team, as he brings a deep understanding of the sport and the dedication required to succeed at the highest level,” said Jim Henry, the Robert J.H. Kiphuth Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving. “In addition, Jacob has established himself as a coach, demonstrating a passion for helping others reach their full potential in the pool. His unique perspective as both an athlete and coach will undoubtedly provide valuable insights and guidance to our student-athletes.”
At the University of California, he was a 12-time NCAA All-American and helped the Bears capture the 2014 NCAA championship. In addition, he was a USA National Team member nine times, a four-time World Championship medalist and a three-time U.S. National champion.
“It is a great honor to have this opportunity to join the Yale coaching staff and begin to contribute to a program with such a rich history of excellence both in the pool and in the classroom,” Pebley said. “My passion for this sport lives in the relentless, daily pursuit of personal growth and how we can become better athletes and people. I am so excited to begin working with this team in the upcoming season.”
Pebley is a 2017 Cal graduate, earning a B.S. in psychology. In 2020, he co-founded Swimmers for Change, recruiting and organizing 30+ Olympic/Paralympic athletes to host online livestreams focused on racial disparities in swimming. All proceeds from the sessions and merchandise sales are donated to racial-justice related charities.
Yale now lists a full staff that includes associate head coach Kyle Schack and assistants Dana Grindall, Joey Reilman, and Adriana Schack, as well as head diving coach Lindsay Iordache and diving assistant Keith Miller.
Grindall also was announced as a new assistant this week.
Under new NCAA rules, which eliminate the role of volunteer assistants, a co-ed swimming & diving coaching staff is allowed to have 8 total coaches (paid or unpaid).
Last year, the Yale men and women both finished 3rd at the Ivy League Championships.
Another nepo baby eh?
I mean, he’s got several years of coaching experience, including with the local club team.
Wait can you explain how this is nepotism? I’m not connecting…
Yale was talking about getting a new aquatic center at least four to five years ago. They seemed to be waiting for a donor to cough up about $20 million so they could name it after him/her. I guess so far nobody seems to be willing to make the big donation. Anyone know anything about this?
the issue is twofold – they need a large donation, but there is also (in general at Yale) pushback against changing any ‘historic’ architecture, even if improvements are badly needed
They mentioned it while recruiting the (high school) class of 2013 lol
Great news for Yale! Way to go JP.
Might just be the fastest coaches relay in the NCAA! (Head coach required as a leg)
Met Jacob at a swim camp once and he was a joy and great role model. Have a good feeling about this one, good luck to all!
The pride of Corvallis, Oregon! Great guy and a true Golden Bear!
#beardown
Congrats!