Jamison Named Assistant Swimming and Diving Coach
9/8/2009 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Sept. 8, 2009
PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh Head Swimming Coach Chuck Knoles announced the hiring of 11-time NCAA All-American and Pittsburgh native Tanica Jamison as assistant coach for the men’s and women’s swimming and diving program.
“We are excited that Tanica has decided to join our coaching staff,” Knoles said. “Tanica brings with her a wealth of maturity and experience at the highest levels of collegiate, national and world competitive swimming. Having Tanica on staff will help us accelerate Pitt’s rise in the Big East Conference and within the NCAA.”
As a student-athlete, Jamison set the bar high at the University of Texas. There, she was selected as the 2000 Big XII Freshman of the Year, earned the Leadership Award in 2001 and 2002 and was selected as the team’s Most Valuable Swimmer in 2003.
A 2003 graduate of Texas, Jamison is also a two-time U.S. National Champion, a World University Games Gold Medalist, a U.S. National silver and bronze medalist, and a three-time U.S. Olympic Trials finalist.
“It is an honor and a privilege to join the Pitt swimming & diving staff,” Jamison stated. “I have excelled in my swimming career because I have trained under and learned from some of the best coaches in the country. Coming to Pitt will afford me the opportunity to coach alongside Chuck Knoles and his staff-- who are among the best coaches in college swimming.
“I look forward to assisting the staff as we mold these young athletes, helping them to become successful in both swimming and life. Pitt’s mantra is ONLY BIG DREAMS. I look forward to helping make those dreams a reality for Pitt swimming & diving.”
In addition to joining the staff at Pitt, Jamison will also assist as Senior Head Coach of Team Pittsburgh, the local swim club at Pitt. Jamison has been working with the Longhorn Swim Camp since 2000 and has worked with the Texas Aquatics swim club. She has served as a motivational speaker for various swim camps and clinics and was a professionally-sponsored athlete in her post-collegiate years.
Born in Monongahela, Pa., Jamison spent the first 10 years of her life here in the Pittsburgh area, then moved to California and eventually Texas. Her grandfather still resides in Braddock, Pa., while her mother resides in Houston, Texas.
Jamison will fill the vacancy left by Jessica Siegele, who was hired as the top assistant swim coach for California University (Pa.) late this summer.