University of Iowa graduate and former volunteer assistant coach Ashley Dell has been named an assistant coach with the University of Iowa swimming and diving program, UI head coach Marc Long announced Tuesday.
“We are thrilled to have Ashley back in Iowa City,” said Long. “She brings a wealth of recent experience in coaching and recruiting at the highest levels of the NCAA. Ashley is very goal driven, enthusiastic, and hard-working, and I know she is committed to making the Hawkeye athletes and the overall program the best they can be.”
Dell rejoins the program following stints at George Washington (2011-14) and Southern Methodist (SMU) (2014-2017).
“It is truly special to be able to represent and work for your alma mater and I can’t thank Marc, (associate head coach) Frannie (Malone), and the entire athletics department for giving me this opportunity,” said Dell. “I am honored and excited to get back to Iowa City. This program is heading in the right direction and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
During her time in the Lone Star State, Dell coached 18 individual American Athletic Conference (AAC) champions and 11 AAC relay champions. She coached five NCAA qualifiers, three NCAA “A” cuts, and 54 “B” cuts during her time with the Mustangs.
Dell helped lead SMU to back-to-back AAC championships and was a member of the 2016 AAC Coaching Staff of the Year. Dell also served as the director of the Mustang Swim Camp during her time at SMU.
Before making the move to Dallas, Dell spent three seasons at George Washington, where 19 school records were set under her tutelage.
Prior to becoming a full-time assistant, Dell spent two seasons as a volunteer coach at the University of Iowa from 2009-11. She also assisted with camps at the University of Texas and served as an assistant coach with the Iowa Flyers Swim Club.
Dell was a member of the Iowa women’s program from 2005-09 and was a two-year team captain. She is an all-time top-10 performer in the 500, 1,000, and 1,650-yard freestyle events.
Academically, Dell was twice named to the Iowa Dean’s List and she was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. In 2008, Dell earned Academic All-America honorable mention accolades from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America.
Dell graduated from the University of Iowa in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in sport studies with a Spanish minor. She earned her master’s degree in tourism management with a concentration in sports management from George Washington in 2014.
Press Release Courtesy of Iowa Athletics.
Great hire!