Swim season is starting off with a lot of changes. Perhaps the biggest change is the resignation of swim and dive head coach Eddie Shepard, who coached the Biola swim team for seven years. Shepard resigned after a decision to move to Washington State where his wife will complete her doctorate in clinical psychology. He will be greatly missed by the athletics department and returning swimmers. He was a good coach and a huge part of the swim team’s Biola experience. In addition to Shepard’s resignation, several swimmers are not returning to the pool. 

Last season finished strong

Last season ended with a bang. Eighteen swimmers went to nationals in March 2010. The women’s swim team placed seventh out of 18 teams. The men’s team placed ninth out of 15 teams, even though there were only six men representing Biola at nationals. Altogether, the team broke 19 school records.

However, the highlight of nationals was April Smith’s swim in the 200 breaststroke. Earlier on the day of the race, she swam a personal best of 2:24.04. She went into finals and ranked fifth. In the final race, Smith came from behind and passed the leading swimmers in the last 50 yards. She won first place with a time of 2:21.66. This was the first time in history that a Biola swimmer became a national champion.

Brittany Sharpe stepping in as head coach

Filling Shepard’s shoes as the new head coach is Brittany Sharpe, former assistant coach.  Sharpe swam for Biola for four years and graduated in 2008 with a degree in business administration. After she graduated, Sharpe continued to be involved with the swim team. Sharpe’s assistant coaches are Nate Cook and Zach Perkins, both former Biola swimmers. The team has also welcomed six new swimmers, including five freshmen, most of whom swim primarily freestyle. The dive team, which last year consisted of only two divers, now has four, making the dive team the largest it has ever been in Biola’s history. 

Sharpe says she is proud to be the new coach: “I am excited and honored to be given this opportunity. Coach Shepard has been a great example for me, and he has done well building this program over the last seven years. I am definitely excited to continue working with the team to build on the success of the program.” Despite many changes, Sharpe says that the swimmers have transitioned well, and the new team has a good dynamic. 

The team’s meets thus far

Two weekends ago the team had its first two meets in Riverside, Calif. where they did not swim their best times. The minimum qualifying times for nationals have been decreased, but Sharpe is not concerned. She is confident that her team will do well in this swim season. On Oct. 23, they will be swimming again at the Malibu Invitational. The races will begin at 10 a.m.