CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Kelley McCallum has been hired as the Miami Hurricanes assistant swimming coach, head coach Andy Kershaw announced Monday.
McCallum, a former national champion who has spent the past two years as assistant coach with Colorado State, will join Kershaw in his first year at the helm of the Hurricanes program.
“Kelley is one of the best young coaches out there, and has proven that in the position she was in at Colorado State,” Kershaw said of his new assistant. “She has some great mentors amongst the swimming community that spoke very highly of her. She was also part of a national championship team, and really has the necessary experience as both an athlete and coach.”
During the 2011-12 season, her first at Colorado State, McCallum helped the Rams break four school records and a program-record five NCAA “B” cut times. The Rams posted nearly 90-percent lifetime bests in the pool, and had 11 new additions to the all-time top-five performers list. Seven athletes were recognized as Mountain West All-Conference selections in nine events during her first campaign.
“It’s really important for a coaching staff to be on the same page, and that’s exactly what I felt with Andy,” McCallum said. “It’s a beautiful location and a fully-funded program, which are both incredible. I know the department is trying to make some upgrades – not just swimming, but across the board – which is exciting for me to see. I can’t wait to get started.”
McCallum was the masters swim coach at the University of Georgia during the 2007-08 season. McCallum, who earned a bachelor of science degree in child and family development from the University of Georgia (2007), also spent time coaching at the youth level – first as the Atlanta Athletic Club assistant swim coach in 2008 then as the head Riverwood High School coach from 2009-10. She also spent a year and a half with a Nike team dealer being a liaison for various levels of swim programs.
“It’s the right environment for good results, and to make some jumps – whether in the ACC or nationally,” she said. “I was lucky enough to have really great coaches, so that’s something I want to give back, and I know Andy does too. That’s the focus – work hard, swim fast, and have fun while you’re doing it.’
McCallum swam four years for the Bulldogs for four years (2003-07), finishing her career at the SEC Championships in 2007. McCallum helped the Bulldogs earn both the 2005 national championship and the 2006 SEC title.
“I’m so happy it ended up working out the way it did,” Kershaw said. “It was a long process, but that was partly by design. I put a lot of thought into it, and it turned out, I have no doubt, for the best. I think we got the best person for the university and the program in all aspects.”
The Hurricanes will open the 2013-14 season with the All-Florida Invite in Gainesville, Fla. The three-day tournament will run from Sept. 27-29.