Washington State Hires National Teamer Kaersten Meitz as Assistant Coach

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Washington State Hires National Teamer Kaersten Meitz as Assistant Coach

Washington State on Thursday announced the hiring of Kaersten Meitz as an assistant coach. The former distance standout at Purdue will work with the Cougars’ distance group.

Meitz was a four-time All-American at Purdue. She won a pair of gold medals at the 2019 World University Games, in the women’s 400 free and leading off the 800 free relay.

“It’s with great excitement to announce Kaersten Meitz as our newest addition to our Cougar Swimming Family,” Washington State head coach Matt Leach said in a university statement. “Kaersten has the background and knowledge to help inspire, develop and produce top level people, students and athletes. Kaersten will be a big asset to our Cougs and I can’t wait for her to learn, grow and develop into the best coach on the national scale like she did as a student-athlete. Welcome to our Cougar Family! GO COUGS!”

Pac-12 Swimming News

Meitz, 27, is starting her coaching career. She was a national teamer from 2017-19 and competed at U.S. Olympic Trials twice. She finished sixth in the 800 free and seventh in the 400 free at Trials in 2021.

In NCAA competition, Meitz finished fifth in the 500 free and 10th in the 1,650 free at her final NCAAs in 2018. She left West Lafayette with school records in the 500, 1,000 and 1,650 free.

The native of Waukesha, Wisconsin, embarked on a pro career after graduation, taking part in the International Swimming League. She worked with Professional Athlete as a speaker and mentor, and has volunteered since 2022 with USA Swimming’s Rules and Regulations Committee.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled and honored to be starting my coaching career as a part of the Cougar family. It is undeniable that Matt Leach is building something very special at WSU and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to work alongside him and with an amazing group of girls,” Meitz said. “I would like to thank Matt, Russ Whitaker, the team, and support staff at WSU for being so welcoming and helping me in this entire process. I can’t wait to learn, grow, be a part of this rising program, and continue to be involved in the sport I love so much. Go Cougs!”

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