Jay Daniels '13 has been named Kalamazoo College's head men's and women's swimming and diving coach following the conclusion of a national search. Daniels was the interim head coach this past season.
A 2013 Kalamazoo College graduate and a swim team captain for the 2012-13 season, Daniels served two seasons as the assistant swimming coach at SUNY New Paltz, a nationally competitive program at the Division III level. He returned to Kalamazoo as an assistant coach for the 2015-16 season before being named interim head coach last summer.
"I'd like to thank Kristen Smith and the entire search committee for the opportunity to continue my coaching career at Kalamazoo College," Daniels said. "Kalamazoo College swimming and diving has had a huge impact on my life since I first stepped on campus as a recruit in 2008, and having the opportunity to give back to the program and community is humbling."
"Jay has been a great addition to the coaching staff," said Director of Athletics Kristen Smith. "I am confident that he has the passion, desire and coaching skills to grow and develop championship caliber teams at Kalamazoo College."
As interim head coach this past season, Daniels coached seven All-MIAA selections and one All-America performance. This past fall the men's and women's teams were recognized as Scholar All-America Teams by the College Swimming Coaches Association of American. As an assistant coach in 2015-16 the program produced seven All-MIAA selections and earned honorable mention All-America honors in two events.
During his time at New Paltz, Daniels assisted with all aspects of the program including meet preparation, event management and fundraising and recruiting, and was influential in the successful recruitment of 37 student-athletes during his two seasons.
In addition to his coaching experience at SUNY New Paltz and Kalamazoo, Daniels served as a coach at New Paltz Swim Camp, Hartwick College Swim Camp and Kalamazoo College Swim Camp. He also oversees Kalamazoo College's intramural sports program.
"I'm thankful to former Hornet coaches Kathy Milliken, Bob Kent and Lyn Mauer for everything they have done for the program," Daniels added. "The Kalamazoo College swimming and diving program is what it is today because of them. I look forward to continuing to work with the driven students at Kalamazoo College."