Courtesy: Denver Athletics
DENVER – University of Denver Swim and Dive Head Coach Alicia Hicken-Franklin announced the hiring of Lucas Baarlaer on Tuesday. Baarlaer will begin his duties as assistant coach for the Pioneers immediately.
“I am very excited to welcome Lucas to our team and program,” Hicken-Franklin said. He is a values-driven individual with strong character, which fits in with our team vision. Lucas will bring his incredible coaching background to a position that is integral to our team performance. He is a team player and wants to keep growing and learning with our staff and team. Lucas will make an immediate impact on our team.”
Baarlaer joins the Pioneers after spending the past eight years as the head swimming coach for the Piranhas Swim Club in Richfield, Minn. While there, he was responsible for setting meet, practice and coaching schedules, along with handling all team travel.
“I am excited to join the Denver Swimming and Diving community,” Baarlaer said. “Alicia and Mark have built an incredible culture that strives for academic and athletic excellence while prioritizing a positive student-athlete environment.
“I am looking forward to the season and working within the DU athletic department. Go Pios.”
Prior to that, Baarlaer was a volunteer assistant at Minnesota, where he did video analysis and on-campus recruiting, helping guide the women’s team to a Big Ten championship and 10th-place finish at the NCAA Championships in 2013 and 2014.
DU will return in the fall in preparation for the 2022-23 season.
Great guy!