The new coach of the E&H women's swimming team has high hopes for the young program. Those hopes are founded on the enthusiasm and talent of her athletes.
"I intend to see this team among the top of the (conference) pack in the near future," said head coach Jessica Hurd.
To get to that position, she will prioritize fitness among her athletes while they work on the mechanics of competitive swimming. "And as we're doing this I want these athletes be safe, have fun and to meet their personal goals," Hurd said.
The new coach sees swimming as more than a sport; it as a chance for student athletes to engage in a life-learning activity that they can enjoy long after college. Having fun and appreciating the broader values of the sport are keys to winning meets, Hurd claims.
"We have a strong group of individuals. They are strong academically as well as athletically, and they have the character, the talent and the motivation. They enjoy the sport, and I think they will have great camaraderie, which helps maximize success."
Hurd comes to Emory & Henry from Patrick Henry High School, where she served since 1997 as a coach and acquatics instructor.
The team will swim its first meet of the season against King College Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. at Virginia High School.