Venezuelan Olympian and Virginia Tech assistant coach Albert Subirats was promoted to associate head coach and men’s recruiting coordinator after five seasons with the Hokies as an assistant coach.
During his time as an assistant coach, the men achieved their highest NCAA finish in program history in 2023 (9th) and Youssef Ramadan claimed the first national title in program history. The women have also made great strides under Subirats, moving from 40th to 20th, marking their highest NCAA finish in a decade during the 2023 season.
Subirats has also greatly contributed to the Hokies’ recruiting efforts, bringing in NCAA contenders such as Emma Atkinson, Carmen Weiler Sastre, Sarah Shackelford, Ramadan, Carles Coll Marti, and AJ Pouch. In the last two seasons, the Hokies’ recruiting classes have been ranked within the top 10. Head coach Sergio Lopez Miro noted that he “can’t thank Coach Albert enough for his tremendous work these past five seasons at all levels.”
During his swimming career, Subirats represented Venezuela internationally, where he competed at the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games, achieving a highest finish of 11th in the 100-meter butterfly at the 2008 Beijing Games. In 2007, he claimed Venezuela’s first long course World Champs medal with bronze in the 100-meter butterfly. He would go on to claim the world title in the 50-meter butterfly (SCM) at the 2010 World Championships. He still holds long-course national records in the 100 free, 50 fly, 100 fly, and 100 backstroke.
At the NCAA level, Subirats represented the University of Arizona where he was a national champion in the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke in 2007. Subirats was also the first swimmer to go dual 44’s in the 100 butterfly (44.57) and 100 backstroke (44.83) in 2007. He also defended his 100 butterfly national title in 2008 (45.07).
With Subirats’ promotion and Virginia Tech’s stellar 2023-2024 recruiting class including Vedaant Madhavan, Daniil Pancerevas, Kate Anderson, and Courtney Phillips in the 16-strong contingent, the Hokies are set to improve upon their standing at last year’s NCAA Championships on both sides.
Congrats Albert!! So well deserved
God you look good with this title! Congrats my friend, you deserve it!
Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t he the first double 44 in the 100 back/fly?
To all the haters and downvoters: I hope your toilet seats are cold and both sides of your pillow are warm
I see a lot of downvotes but no comment. Hates want to clarify or y’all just hating from behind the keyboard for no reason?
Minor correction – he won the 100 back at NCAAs in 2007. Went duel 44s in the fly/back along with a 20.5 in the 50 back leadoff, all on the same day. Was a pleasure to watch in person. Amazing underwaters!
Congratulations Albert-such a genuine really great guy! He truly created and gave me life long memories when we visited VA Tech!
Congrats Albert! Well deserved-excellent coach!