Kevin Ankrom Takes Over As USA Diving High Performance Director

KNOXVILLE, TN - August 17, 2014: Michole Timm during the 2014 USA Senior Diving National Event Finals at Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Matthew S. DeMaria

Photo Courtesy: Matthew S. DeMaria

USA Diving announced today that Kevin Ankrom has been named the national governing body’s High Performance Director. Ankrom comes to USA Diving with extensive experience as a coach and as a performance director. He has spent more than 15 years working internationally in the high performance field, helping national federations develop their performance systems and structures to achieve world-class success.

“I am excited to bring Kevin on board,” said USA Diving CEO Lee Johnson. “He brings experience and success in developing and guiding sport performance both domestically and internationally that will build on the recent Olympic achievements of USA Diving. Combining Kevin’s approach to sport culture and his emphasis on TEAM with some of the top diving coaches in the world will capitalize on our momentum headed into Tokyo and beyond.”

Prior to joining USA Diving, Ankrom worked as the High Performance Director for US Lacrosse, Athletics Ireland, Athletics New Zealand and the Hong Kong Athletics Association. On the collegiate level, Ankrom served as the head coach at Valparaiso University and UNC-Wilmington before beginning his international stints. Ankrom is no stranger to international competition as he has served as the national teams’ head coach and team leader for 45 world and European championships, including four Olympic Games.

“I am looking forward to establishing myself in this role and developing a successful performance culture and team for USA Diving,” Ankrom said. “Having previous experience in delivering performance systems and medal-winning teams, I am looking forward to the challenges, competitive opportunities, and overseeing the development of the USA Diving performance program. Most importantly, I am looking forward to meeting with the athletes and coaches and discussing ways of supporting them and building the sport for the future.”

Ankrom takes over for interim high performance director, Vince Panzano. Panzano was named interim high performance director in October of 2017 and will remain involved through the transition and integration process.

“Kevin’s appointment comes at a critical time with Tokyo just over the horizon followed by Paris and L.A. in quick succession,” Panzano noted. “Kevin will have an awesome CEO to work for as well as an outstanding high-performance department to work with. I look forward to helping in any way that I can.”

Ankrom’s primary job duties entail oversight and management of the high-performance department that includes the continued development of high performance strategies and maintaining contact with high performance coaches. He will be fully supported by the high-performance department that includes a High Performance Manager, Education Director, and Athlete Services Coordinator. Ankrom starts his new role on January 2.

Press release courtesy of USA Diving.

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