Bridgeport to Add Women’s Swimming Program, Names Brad Flood Head Coach

BRIDGEPORT, Conn, September 12. THE University of Bridgeport will be adding a women’s swimming program that will begin intercollegiate competition during the 2004-05 season, announced Joe DiPuma, director of athletics. The Purple Knights have also named their first head coach as Brad Flood will take the reigns of the program for its’ inaugural season. “The University is committed not only to supporting our current athletic programs, but to continue to expand and add sports in order to further solidify our position as a first-rate comprehensive undergraduate institution,” said Salonen. “The women’s swimming program is the first, with others to follow. We expect that they will join the ranks of the other UB championship programs.”

Flood comes to Bridgeport from Central Connecticut State University, where he was the men’s and women’s swimming and diving head coach from 1996-2002. He also worked as the aquatics director during his time at CCSU, managing all aspects of the daily pool operation. As a head coach, Flood recruited potential student-athletes and was heavily involved in fundraising efforts for the program. In addition to his years at CCSU, Flood has worked at the Division I level as an assistant coach at Clemson University (1993-96), Texas A&M University (1992-93) and four years at the University of Iowa (1988-92). Flood also has experience on the international scene as he worked for the Polish National Swimming Federation from 1989-2000. He was the head swimming coach of the Polish National SwimmingTeam at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, where he trained Rafal Szukala, who went on to capture the silver medal in the 100-meter butterfly.

“Given our on-campus pool that is located in the Wheeler Recreation Center, the addition of a swimming program is a natural fit,” said DiPuma. “We are very fortunate to have a coach that brings the level of experience and commitment that Brad Flood has and we look forward to having him lead this new program.” With the addition of women’s swimming, the University now boasts 11 intercollegiate athletic teams that compete at the NCAA Division II level.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use