Simmons College announced a new addition to the coaching staff on Monday, when it hired Mindy Williams as the new head coach of the Swimming and Diving team.

"I am thrilled to have Mindy join our staff. Her previous coaching experience as well as
her own collegiate competitive experience as a student athlete is such a perspective
that we seek," Simmons College Athletic Director Ali Kantor said. "She no doubt will provide our student athletes will an outstanding competitive experience while supporting their academic goals."

Williams has an extensive background both in the pool as a competitive swimmer, and on the deck guiding teams as a head coach.

She is a graduate of Colby College, where she was a two-time captain, and twice an NCAA Qualifier. She earned all NESCAC honors three times, in the 1650 free, 500 free, and 200 free relay.

After graduating, Williams embarked on a collegiate coaching career at Macalester College where she served as assistant swimming coach for both the men's and women's swimming and diving teams, as well as serving as an assistant coach for the water polo teams.

After gaining some coaching experience, she moved on to become the head swim coach and aquatics director at Regis College in Weston.

Her teams displayed excellence in the pool, and in the classroom, garnering academic All-American team honors each of the last three seasons.

Williams replaces head coach Doug Backlund, who retired at the end of this past season, where the Sharks earned their fourth straight Great Northeast Athletic Conference championship, and he was honored as the coach of the year in the league.

The Sharks return a terrific nucleus for this year's team lead by conference swimmer of the year Keri-Ann Arsenault, and should be prime contenders for a championship again.