Marshall Hires Phoebe Campbell as Head Coach
Marshall on Thursday hired Phoebe Campbell as head coach of its swimming and diving program.
Campbell arrives from Akron, where she was an assistant on the Zips’ MAC championship-winning side. She replaces Ian Walsh, who was hired earlier this month by Pitt after eight years leading Marshall.
Campbell is tasked with moving the Thundering Herd into a new era after the program was cut in February and reinstated a month later.
“I want to thank Athletic Director Gerald Harrison and President Brad Smith for believing in my ability to lead the Women’s Swimming and Diving team,” Campbell said in a press release. “I am committed to adding to the rich history of Marshall University and the excellence of the student-athletes. I am humbled and excited by this amazing opportunity to work with people so committed to the success and well-being of their student-athletes. The tight-knit community that Marshall is known for makes this an easy place to call home.”
Campbell was an assistant at Akron last year. It’s the first head coaching job for the former standout swimmer at Henderson State. She has coaching stops at New Mexico, Texas A&M and Vassar College, as well as with several clubs. She was a CSCAA Coaches Academy member in 2025. In 2023, she was recognized by ASCA as one of its “30 Under 30” Award winners.
“Phoebe brings a diverse background and experience from multiple levels of collegiate athletics, along with an outstanding reputation as a recruiter, organizer, and relationship builder,” Marshall Direct or Athletics Gerald J. Harrison said. “Her energy, passion, temperament, and leadership style make her the right coach to lead Marshall Swimming and Diving into an exciting new era. She has a clear vision for developing champions in the pool, in the classroom, and in our community, and we are excited to watch her build upon the strong foundation of this program.”