Phil Hoffmann Named Illinois State Head Diving Coach

NORMAL, Illinois, June 13. FORMER Illinois State student assistant coach Phil Hoffmann has recently re-joined Redbird swimming and diving team as the head diving coach for the 2007-08 season.

Hoffmann, who received his undergraduate degree in recreational management and coaching from Ohio State, was a student assistant at ISU from 1999-2004. In addition, he was a student assistant with the U.S. Elite Diving Academy under former ISU coach Drew Johansen. Hoffmann also worked under three time Olympic coach Vince Panzano while at Ohio State.

With his past coaching experience, Hoffmann is ready to start the season.

"I am excited to be back at ISU to begin my first collegiate coaching job," Hoffmann said. "I am looking forward to be working with Steve (Paska) again."

Illinois State head coach Steve Paska is excited for the addition to the coaching staff.

"I am very grateful that the head diving coach position has been approved," Paska said. "I'm as equally thankful that Phil is the first diving coach to be hired for this position. I have worked with many talented coaches over the past 22 years and our success has enabled us to be in the position for a young, energetic coach to come in and be the first to carry the torch as the first head diving coach."

With his previous experience in swimming and diving, Hoffmann is optimistic for the upcoming season.

"I would like to continue the diving tradition and keep ISU at the top level in the Missouri Valley Conference."

Special thanks to Illinois State for contributing this report.

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