Florida’s Martyn Wilby Resigns as Associate Head Coach

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

After 19 seasons with the Florida swim team, associate head coach, Martyn Wilby, has announced he will step away from his role as a member on the UF coaching staff this Fall. It is with great sincerity that head coach, Gregg Troy, and the entire University of Florida thanks Wilby for his time as a Gator.

“Martyn has been a remarkable asset to our coaching staff over the past 19 years and we are extremely grateful for everything he has brought to the table,” said Troy. “While we are disappointed that he will not be with us next season, we understand his desire to move on from collegiate coaching and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

Since his arrival in 1998, Wilby, has helped guide the Orange and Blue to 330 dual wins, six Southeastern Conference Championships, 34 individual national titles, and over 900 All-America Honors.

What’s not listed on his resume, are the long days spent on the pool deck, his ability to recruit and work with international students from across the globe, and the relationships built with student-athletes and colleagues both in and out of the pool.

“The impact he’s left on the men’s and women’s swim teams will not be forgotten,” Troy added. “We’re extremely fortunate to have had his dedication, passion, and professionalism each and every day for 19 seasons.

“He’s extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of the sport and I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for us. Florida swimming certainly would not be where it is today without his help over the years.”

Under Wilby’s assistance, the Florida men have enjoyed recent success, claiming four straight SEC Championships in addition to a third-place finish at the 2016 NCAA meet.

In 2015, he helped lead the Gator women to a ninth-place finish at the NCAA Championships and a third-place mark at the conference meet. Behind Wilby and the UF staff, Florida has finished in the Top-10 at 15 of the last 16 NCAA meets.

The 2013 season also carried success. The Florida men gathered their first SEC Title under the current staff, and both the men and women brought home Top-10 finishes at the NCAA meet. Upon completion of the postseason, Wilby was named College Swimming’s Assistant Coach of the Year.

In 2010, Wilby played an instrumental part in the Florida women’s National Championship squad, which was the school’s first team title in 28 years and undoubtedly one of the many highpoints in his illustrious career.

Though it wasn’t easy, he’s decided it’s time to continue moving forward with that career and step away from coaching at the collegiate level. He’ll remain on staff as he assists in training Olympic Hopefuls for their country’s respective trials. Even leading up to his final days as a Gator, he continues to help student-athletes reach their lifelong dreams.

“I’m eternally grateful for the experience I’ve had over the years and to work alongside so many extraordinary coaches and student-athletes,” said Wilby. “My time as a Gator has truly provided me with a rare opportunity that I would not have found anywhere else.

“When Coach Troy originally asked me to join the staff, my plan was to stick around for three to five years and help him get the program back on track. Little did I realize what was in store for me. Now, almost 20 years later, my entire family and I have fallen in love with this university, this program, and the tremendous support system that surrounds it.”

Wilby added.

“I’d like to thank Jeremy Foley for taking a chance on a couple of coaches from the Bolles Sharks Swim Club when he did. None of this would have been possible had we not been given the opportunity to join Gator Nation.

“I’d also like to thank coach Troy. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside him for 26 years now and I can’t thank him enough for bringing me along on this incredible journey. The relationship we’ve built goes far beyond two coaches and a shared office space. I truly value the connection that has formed between the Wilby family and the Troy family, and I look forward to continuing that relationship in the coming years.”

“As I leave Florida, I’d also like to extend one last thank you to our support staff, and everyone who has contributed to this team’s success over the years. There is no other university out there that could have made my time in the Orange and Blue so enjoyable and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to be a Gator.”

Few coaches will ever reach the level of success that Wilby has achieved. And even fewer will come close to matching his character. But, above all else, we’ll miss the presence of a man who has forever changed the tradition of Florida swimming through 19 years of exceptional coaching.

And for that, Gator Nation says thank you, Coach.

Florida Athletics contributed this report.

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