Courtesy: USA Swimming
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, today announced the hiring of six-time Olympic medalist Brendan Hansen as Director of Team Services. Hansen will provide leadership and support to the Sport Development Division and promote the utilization and delivery of all USA Swimming programs & services through the Team Services team.
“We are thrilled to have Brendan help lead our Sport Development Team Services group along with Tom Avischious,” USA Swimming Managing Director of Sport Development Joel Shinofield said. “They are both passionate about innovating new ways we can provide improved resources to coaches to create better outcomes and long-term performance development for athletes. Brendan’s experiences as an athlete, a coach and entrepreneur will be a huge asset to USA Swimming and our members.”
In his role, Hansen will aid in providing superior resources and education to coaches and clubs, while driving the continued evolution of the Team Services role and team. He will play an integral part in developing the vision for the needs and solutions of a vibrant, high-potential sport system for USA Swimming. Most notably, he will help deliver team and coach development at all levels.
“Having been a member of USA Swimming for 31 years as an Age Group swimmer, Collegiate All American, three-time Olympian and head club swimming coach of a USA Swimming Gold Medal team, I am forever grateful for the community that has supported me throughout all those experiences,” Hansen said. “Now having the opportunity to impact that community as a member of the USA Swimming staff, I plan to attack the challenges and needs of our membership the exact same way I did my swimming career!”
The winner of three gold, one silver and two Olympic bronze medals, Hansen captained five international Team USA teams throughout his career. He swam collegiately at the University of Texas and was inducted into the Men’s Athletics Longhorn Hall of Honor in 2015. He has held managerial and coaching positions with Lost Creek Aquatics, Austin Aquatics and Sports Academy and Austin Swim Club. In addition to his pool success, Hansen has spent time as a host and television broadcaster, was co-owner of an archery retail store and has sat on the USA Swimming Foundation Board of Directors.
Hansen will divide his time between his residence in Austin, Texas, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, and report to Sport Development Senior Director Tom Avischious.
Godspeed!
Awesome stuff!!! He is an icon and a proven leader. He is a great addition to the top brass!!! So sweet.