Penn State Adds Native Matt Hurst to Coaching Staff

Photo Courtesy: Penn State Athletics

Penn State swimming & diving head coach Tim Murphy announced Wednesday the addition of Pennsylvania native Matt Hurst to the Nittany Lions’ staff as an assistant coach for the 2015-2016 season.

Hurst arrives at Penn State University after a 12-year tenure at Southern Connecticut State, first as a student-athlete and most recently as an assistant coach for the past eight years.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Matt, his wife Theresa, and daughter Annabelle to our Penn State family.” said Murphy. “Matt’s Pennsylvania roots along with his recruiting and coaching experience will make a tremendous contribution to our program.”

During Hurst’s tenure at SCSU, he mentored 84 All-Americans and three individual NCAA Champions, while guiding two individuals to four NCAA Division II national records. He also helped the Owls’ women’s squad post their highest finish ever at the NCAA Championships.

“First, I want to thank, [Athletic Director] Sandy Barbour, the coaching staff, and the team for giving me this opportunity and welcoming me and my family to Penn State,” said Hurst. “As a Pennsylvania native, it’s a great honor to return home and represent Penn State. Tim has a great vision for what this program can accomplish; and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

In addition to his responsibilities with Southern Connecticut State, Hurst also coached at SoNoCo Swim Club. He was a 2012 Junior National Team Coach and qualified four individuals for the Olympic Trials.

In 2009, Hurst attended the FINA World Championships as an assistant coach with the Dominican Republic.

Hurst rejoined the Owls after spending the 2006-07 academic year as an assistant coach at Wesleyan University. In his position at Wesleyan, Hurst worked with the team’s sprinters and breaststrokers. He also led the team’s strength and conditioning and dryland programs. During his time at Wesleyan, Hurst coached two All-Americans and one Academic All-American.

As a student-athlete at SCSU, Hurst was a two-year captain, 11-time All-American, school record holder, and U.S. national qualifier. A corporate communications major as an undergraduate, Hurst also garnered Academic All-America honors three times. He also completed his master’s degree at SCSU in human performance.

Hurst grew up in Haverford where he was an All-American with the swim team. Hurst also competed for Upper Main Line YMCA, where he was a 26 time All-American.

Hurst with be joined in State College by his wife, Theresa, daughter, Annabelle, and dog, Ryley.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World. To reach our audience, contact us at newsmaster@swimmingworld.com.

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