Courtesy: Penn Athletics
PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania’s head swimming & diving coach, Mike Schnur, has announced the hiring of Alexandra “Sasha” Malanina and Dallas Tarkenton as assistant coaches on his staff with the Quakers.
“I’m thrilled to be able to add assistant coaches with Sasha and Dallas’ swimming and coaching background,” said Schnur.
“Sasha’s experience as a world-class swimmer, along with her extensive coaching background, will be a huge asset to our student-athletes,” said Schnur. “This is especially true for those with aspirations to compete on the world stage. As head coach at La Salle last season, she did an amazing job with her team under incredibly difficult circumstances, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to work with her here at Penn.”
Of Tarkenton, Schnur had this to say: “Dallas’ experience working with a first-rate coaching staff and world-class athletes at the University of Virginia for the past two years will make him a great addition to the Penn Athletics family.”
“I am so thrilled to join the University of Pennsylvania swimming and diving programs,” said Malanina. “The team, the coaching staff, and the University are focused on the student-athlete experience and success in the classroom and in the pool. This resonates closely with my coaching and personal philosophy, and I would like to thank Mike Schnur for this opportunity. I am excited to bring my experience to Penn as we continue to thrive as a team!”
“I am extremely fortunate to join Mike Schnur and the rest of the Penn Swimming and Diving family,” said Tarkenton. “Penn has always been a beacon for the true student-athlete, and I am ready to get boots on the ground in University City to continue my career with the Quakers. Fight On Penn!”
ABOUT THE NEW ASSISTANT COACHES…
Sasha Malanina comes to Penn from La Salle, where after two seasons as assistant swimming & diving coach she was elevated to interim head coach for the 2020-21 campaign. As a swimmer, she was a two-time All-America at the University of Maryland and a former member of the Russian National Team.
Prior to her arrival at La Salle, Malanina served as an assistant coach at Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., where she worked specifically with the distance group. In that position, she helped John Tepper to All-America honors in the 1650 free at the 2018 NCAA Championships.
During her time with the Russian National Team, from 1999-03, Malanina was a silver medalist in both the 200 and 400 IM at the 1999 Junior Olympic Days in Esbjerg, Denmark. A year later, she won a Junior European championship in the 400 medley relay and earned a third-place finish at the 2000 Russian Olympic Trials in the 200 breaststroke.
Malanina took part in three consecutive World Championship meets from 2000-02, advancing to the finals of the 800 free and 800 free relay at the 2002 meet in Moscow. Two years later, she competed in her second Olympic Trials, finishing fourth in the 400 IM.
Following her international career, Malanina began swimming collegiately in the United States at Maryland. A two-time NCAA qualifier, she earned honorable mention All-America in the 800 freestyle relay in 2005. In 2006, she was the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) champion in the 400 IM—later earning honorable mention All-America status in the event—and was named Team MVP.
After graduating with a degree in finance and a concentration in international business from Maryland in 2008, Malanina moved to Villanova University and completed her master’s degree in finance in 2011. She then embarked on a three-year stint on Wall Street, working in sales and trading. In the summer of 2020, Malanina graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University’s Sports Business program with a master’s degree in Professional Franchise and Collegiate Operations.
Dallas Tarkenton comes to University City from the University of Virginia, where he was on the staff for the Cavaliers’ men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams the last two years. His stint was highlighted by the UVA women winning the NCAA championship for the first time in program history in March.
In addition to his work with the University of Virginia programs, Tarkenton also was a senior/age group coach with the Virginia Gators of Charlottesville for the 2019-20 season before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down club operations. Prior to his arrival in Charlottesville, Tarkenton spent two years as an assistant coach with the Colorado College men’s and women’s swimming & diving programs.
Tarkenton graduated from the University of Mary Washington (Fredericksburg, Va.) in 2017 where he earned NCAA Division III All-America honors in both the 100 and 200 butterfly events. He is currently studying for his Master’s degree in Business Communication Leadership from High Point (N.C.) University, expecting to complete the program in 2022.
Great pick up in Tarkenton. What a treat watching him train, motivate, and lead young swimmers the last few years. Penn caught a good one.
Congrats to these coaches!
I’m curious folks, isn’t this a little late into the season to still be hiring?