UMass swimming & Diving Adds Hueston Holder to Coaching Staff
AMHERST, Mass. – the University of Massachusetts swimming and diving program has announced the hiring of hueston Holder as an assistant coach, joining Head Coaches Sean Clark and Maiya Otsuka. Holder will contribute to the development of both the men’s and women’s teams.
Holder arrives at UMass following a triumphant two-year tenure as Head coach at Ashland University, where he guided the program to its first national qualifiers in eight years and earned the 2024-25 Men’s Swim and Dive Coach of the Year award.At Ashland,he was responsible for all aspects of the program,including staff management,athlete training,and operational oversight.
Prior to Ashland,Holder served as the Head Coach for both Lake Catholic high School and the Great lakes Sailfish Swimming team (2017-2019). He oversaw a rapidly expanding program in Northeast Ohio,managing recruitment,scheduling,and the development of swimmers ranging in age from seven to 22 and skill level from beginner to collegiate. His coaching experience includes designing individualized training programs tailored to diverse athlete needs.
Holder’s background extends beyond the pool. He previously worked as an accounting analyst at Nestle, focusing on budget accuracy and report streamlining. He also brings a unique viewpoint from his four years of active duty in the United States Coast Guard, where he currently continues to serve as an active reserve Public Affairs Specialist since 2018. In this role, he manages social media platforms with a reach exceeding 25,000 viewers and maintains website content. Notably,he produced a video commemorating the U.S. Coast Guard’s Aviation Centennial, which was showcased both internally and at the Smithsonian Institution.
A decorated swimmer himself, Holder was an NCAA Division II All-American at Ashland University in the 200 medley relay. He continues to hold a place on the program’s record-setting teams in the 200 medley relay,and also the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.
Holder holds a bachelor’s degree from Ashland university, earned in 2014.
