The University of Virginia swimming and diving program has promoted Courtney Caldwell to assistant coach after she spent the last two seasons on staff as a volunteer assistant.
Caldwell replaces Andrew Sheaff, who had served as an assistant for the Cavaliers since 2018. It is not yet known where Sheaff is off to next.
At last season’s NCAA Championships, Caldwell helped guide the UVA women to their third NCAA crown in a row. During her first season on staff in 2021-22, the Cavaliers broke the record for most points scored at NCAAs.
Caldwell swam collegiately for three years at NC State, collecting All-American honors and helping the Wolfpack claim an ACC title. In 2018, she transferred to USC, but her career ended due to injury the following year. After graduating from USC with a bachelor’s degree in non-governmental organizations and social change, she coached the senior group at the Porter Valley Polar Bears in Los Angeles before moving to Virginia.
“I’ve known Courtney and her family since doing a home visit with them while recruiting her in high school,” UVA head coach Todd DeSorbo said. “She was a tenacious competitor and has carried that over into her coaching career. I’m excited to add her to our staff as she is one of the brightest up and coming young coaches in the country. Looking forward to having her on staff full time after two years as a volunteer as she adds a lot of value to our pool deck!”
The Cavaliers now have two women on their full-time coaching staff between Caldwell and associate head coach Blaire Bachman.
Sheaff truly was the roots that tied together the cavalier’s program and the lifeblood of their recent success. From his associate head coach role at Northwestern, he moved to UVA to be a volunteer coach when DeSorbo was hired. That really goes to show how much he believed in the program and an incredible sacrifice in switching positions. Sheaff does not get nearly enough credit for the hundreds of hats he wore for UVA. He is a very intelligent man who has active swimming blog for coaches, an insightful YouTube channel, and just published a book. Any program would be very lucky to get him: a great coach and great person overall. Looking forward to seeing Sheaff’s next move, but… Read more »
Is this going to be the Duke announcement? Maybe sheaff and chitwood will take on bama
Sheaff will be missed. He has made such an incredible impact on the team as a coach, but most importantly is an incredible person who truly cared about the swimmers. A great pick for any coaching staff that wants an intelligent, logical, and outstanding person.
good luck to Courtney, a very interesting change
Interesting change