Kennedy Gilbertson Named Illinois State Swimming Assistant coach
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NORMAL, IL – Illinois State Swimming & Diving head coach Riley Hilbrandt has announced Kennedy Gilbertson as the program’s new assistant coach. Gilbertson, bringing a wealth of experience from her collegiate swimming career at Iowa and recent coaching role at Colby College, is set to make an immediate impact on the Redbirds program.
Gilbertson’s Coaching Background
Before joining Illinois State,gilbertson spent a season as an assistant swim coach at Colby College,where she assisted with meet logistics,pool setup,and recruiting efforts. Her primary focus was the sprints group, where she developed training plans and provided coaching during practices and meets. From August to November 2024, she also served as the head coach at Iowa City West High School, creating practice routines and mentoring assistant coaches on team culture and technique. Gilbertson also has experience as a club coach at IFLY, working with swimmers aged 15-18, and as a lifeguard throughout her college years.
Did You Know? The demand for swimming coaches is expected to grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations [[Bureau of Labor Statistics]].
What They’re Saying
“We are thrilled to welcome Kennedy to our coaching staff and team,” said Hilbrandt. “Kennedy was a standout swimmer at Iowa and has coaching experience at club, high school, and collegiate levels. Throughout the interview process her love and passion for swimming truly stood out, which I believe will go a long way with not only the success of our current student-athletes, but future Redbirds to come. she is determined and full of energy, which is exactly what I was looking to bring on deck. I’m so excited to get Kennedy here to Normal and get to work.”
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to coach at Illinois State,” Gilbertson said. “I’m excited to be on deck, coaching and helping our Redbird student-athletes reach their full potential. I want to thank Riley, Cindy Harris and Dr. Jeri Beggs for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Collegiate Career Highlights
as a student-athlete at Iowa from 2020-2024, gilbertson earned the team’s MVP award following the 2023 season and competed at the World Championship Trials. She still holds the Iowa school record in the 100-yard backstroke. gilbertson graduated from Iowa with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in May 2024.
Pro Tip: Aspiring swimming coaches should focus on developing strong interaction and leadership skills, and also a deep understanding of swimming techniques and training methodologies.
swimming Coach Staff Additions
Gilbertson is not the only recent addition to the Illinois State swimming program’s coaching staff. in related news, Joshua Lercel was hired as an assistant swimming coach [[3]]. These additions reflect a commitment to enhancing the program’s coaching resources and supporting the advancement of its student-athletes.
| Role | Organization | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| assistant Coach | Colby College | 2024-2025 |
| Head Coach | Iowa City West high School | August – November 2024 |
| Club Coach | IFLY | 2020-2024 |
| Student-Athlete | University of Iowa | 2020-2024 |
The Evolution of College Swimming Programs
College swimming programs have evolved significantly over the past few decades, with increased emphasis on specialized training, data analytics, and mental conditioning. the integration of sports science and technology has led to improved performance and a more holistic approach to athlete development. Furthermore, recruiting strategies have become more sophisticated, with coaches actively seeking talent from diverse backgrounds and international markets.
Frequently Asked Questions About College swimming
What are the key factors for success in college swimming?
Success in college swimming requires a combination of talent, dedication, effective coaching, and a supportive team environment. Athletes must be committed to rigorous training schedules, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and possess strong mental resilience.
How do college swimming programs recruit athletes?
College swimming programs recruit athletes through a variety of methods, including attending high school and club meets, hosting recruiting visits, and communicating with prospective athletes and their coaches. Coaches evaluate athletes based on their performance times,potential for improvement,and academic qualifications.
what are the benefits of participating in college swimming?
Participating in college swimming offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to compete at a high level, receive top-notch coaching, develop valuable life skills, and earn a college degree. It also provides a strong sense of community and lifelong friendships.
What are your thoughts on the new coaching addition? How do you think this will impact the team’s performance?
