Lias Joins Navy Coaching Staff as Assistant

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, August 25. ROB Lias Jr., who worked with three NCAA Championship-winning teams during his two years at Auburn, has been named as the new assistant coach for the Navy women's swimming program as announced on Thursday by head coach John Morrison.

"I am thrilled Rob is onboard with the Navy women's swimming program," Morrison said. "His technical background is outstanding and his understanding of winning at the highest level will have an immediate impact in our program. Our program has set very high goals for itself, both for this season and in the years to come, and I am confident Rob will provide immediate support in helping us accomplishing them. In addition to his swimming knowledge, and equally important to our achieving success in the pool, Rob understands the Naval Academy and believes in its mission. I am looking forward to his contribution to our program's overall success."

Lias served as a graduate assistant coach for both the men's and women's programs at Auburn during the last two years. After the men's team won the NCAA crown during his initial 2004-05 season, both teams claimed national titles this past season.

Lias began his coaching career during the summer of 2002 when he served as a volunteer assistant coach at New Paltz High School. After one season on the prep level, he moved up to the collegiate ranks as an assistant at Mount Union College for one year before joining the staff at Auburn.

A 2000 graduate of Mount Union, Lias was a four-year letterwinner for the Raiders and served as the team captain during his senior year. He earned his way onto All-Ohio Athletic Conference teams 13 times during his career, won a pair of individual event conference titles (1999 in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events) and was named as the team MVP during his junior and senior years.

"I am honored to be working with the Navy women's swimming program," Lias said. "To receive the chance to work at a first-class institution with first-class student-athletes is an unbelievable opportunity for me. Navy already has a great tradition in place, and I know Coach Morrison and I will continue to make that grow."

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