BRIDGEWATER, Va. --- Bridgewater College has selected Laura Bartley as its new head swimming coach. Bartley, currently the program's assistant coach, will begin her leadership of the program in the 2016-2017 season, following the retirement of head coach Fran Smith.
In 2015-16, Bartley's second year as an assistant, the Eagles achieved great success, setting 11 individual school records and four relay marks, while moving up one spot to fourth at the ODAC conference meet.
Bartley was a four-year competitor on the William & Mary swim team, placing in the 200 breaststroke B final at the 2005 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championships. While in Williamsburg, she also served as a member of the Pride Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and CAA S.A.A.C.
Bartley graduated from William and Mary in 2008 with a bachelor of science in kinesiology and psychology. She completed a master's in kinesiology and clinical exercise physiology at James Madison University in 2010.
Bartley works at the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Wellness Center as a Clinical Fitness Coordinator. She also spent time as an adjunct professor at James Madison University, where she taught classes in Lifetime Fitness and Wellness.
"Laura comes highly recommended from Coach Smith and we're excited to have her take over the swimming program," said Athletics Director Curt Kendall. "She competed at the Division I level and knows what it takes to be successful in the sport."
"I am really excited and honored to be named the head coach," said Bartley. "I have gotten to know the girls over the past two years and am ready to take on a larger role with the team. I am excited to see what the 2016-2017 season holds."
Smith was the Eagles' first swimming coach for their inaugural varsity season in 2007-08. Her teams compiled a winning percentage of .724 in dual meets, going 55-21 over nine seasons of competition, including eight straight winning records.
During her time with the program, Smith coached 10 all-conference swimmers and earned ODAC Coach of the Year recognition in 2012-13.
Smith will remain with the Eagles as an assistant coach in 2016-17.
--- This release is courtesy of the Bridgewater College sports information department. ---
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