ROANOKE, Va. --- Hollins University Acting Director of Athletics Bill Mannino is pleased to announce the hiring of Patrick Richardson to the position of head swim coach and instructor of physical education.  After a search that began soon after the end of the season, Richardson comes to Hollins after a stint as an assistant with the William Jewell swim program.

“I am excited to be able to take over the Hollins women’s swimming program.  I look forward to developing these young women into competitors that will make waves within the ODAC.”

Richardson graduated from Oakland University, receiving a BA in Communications.  During his time with the Golden Grizzlies, Patrick not only excelled in the pool but spent time on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as well as serving as team captain and the student-athlete representative to the Senate Athletic Committee.

After graduating, Patrick looked to begin his coaching career and accepted an assistant position at William Jewell College.  Richardson assisted both the women’s and men’s teams while at the NCAA DII school, helping with practice and training plans, primarily focusing on the ‘sprint’ groups.  During the 2014-15 season, William Jewell saw their swimmers compete at the NCAA DII Swim Championships for the first time in program history.

“My plans are to make the swim program the standard of excellence in the pool, and the classroom, as well as a benefit to the entire Hollins community.”

Not only does Richardson have lofty goals in the pool, but he has visions of seeing the Hoillins swim team record the highest team GPA of any Hollins sports team.  That focus on academics has been there as a swimmer, Patrick’s teams consistently ranked at the top of team GPA’s at Oakland, as well as his time as an assistant and that focus won’t change once he assumes the reigns at Hollins.

Mannino is extremely pleased with the hire.  “We are thrilled to have Patrick take over our program.  Patrick is a winner and wants to bring that mentality to Hollins.”

Richardson will take over the day to day operations of the program immediately upon the announcement of his hiring.  His teaching responsibilities will begin with the start of the 2015-16 academic year.

--- This release is courtesy of the Hollins University sports information department. ---
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