Ohio State Swimming & Diving has announced that they’ll bring on former USA National Teamer and NCAA Champion Margo Geer as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2016-17 season. Geer returns to her home state of Ohio after graduating from the University of Arizona and competing in the 2016 Olympic Trials, where she was a semifinalist in the 50 and 100 meter freestyles.
During her NCAA career, Geer was a 3-time individual NCAA Champion for the Wildcats, having won the 50 and 100 at 2013 NCAAs and repeating as champion in the 100 at 2014 NCAAs. She’s currently on the Arizona school record board for the 100 free (46.86), 400 free relay, and 800 free relay. In 2015, she was named Pac-12 Woman of the Year, and went on to compete for Team USA internationally at the 2015 FINA World Championships in Kazan.
Geer joins an Ohio State women’s squad that finished 4th at the 2016 Big Ten Championships. The women then went on to finish 14th overall at the 2016 NCAA Division 1 Championships. This season, the Buckeyes will return now-senior Lindsey Clary, who was the high point scorer for the team at NCAAs last season with her top 8 finishes in the 500 free, 400 IM, and 1650 free.
Article says “ADDS” as volunteer. I guess I don’t see HIRE.
Margo has a keen eye and understanding of swimming. If you ever talk with her, she has mention that coaching is a field she wanted to pursue. Rock On 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year Finalist>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwcw7CUgnw0
Article was ninja updated.
Mickey- True. I updated to post to get rid of the confusion.
Volunteer assistant doesn’t need to be a graduate student. In most cases, this is a great start for any coach or ex-athlete out there to get their feet wet. And in some big schools, they won’t allowed just anyone to volunteer coach for them. I know a couple of top 10 programs posted a volunteer position that you have to apply and interview for before getting the position.
It could be a great experience, but how many people can afford to move to a new town and pay all their bills while receiving no pay.
Her family lives near Columbus. She did make some money as a pro.
Why would top athletes join a college as a “volunteer” coach? I understand they are world class athletes and unproven as coaches, but it seems like they are undervaluing their worth. How long can she live on her savings?
In a lot of these cases, the volunteer is a graduate student who wants to help out with the team, though I can’t speak for Margo specifically. It’s a good way to stay involved in the sport while continuing your education.
Thank you. If Margo is a grad student, then it makes sense.
Yes & if she is a grad assistant, she gets free tuition to grad school in turn for her helping with swim team. Great way to get your masters paid for!
hire and volunteer sounds conflicting!?!?
I was just about to comment the same thing. To me, hiring implies pay.