Marshall Hires Phoebe Campbell As New Herd Swim & Dive Head Coach

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald J. Harrison introduced the hiring of Phoebe Campbell as Marshall’s new Swim & Dive Head Coach on Thursday.

“Today is another great day to run with The Herd as we proudly welcome Phoebe Campbell to Marshall University as the next Head Swimming and Diving Coach,” Harrison mentioned. “Throughout our national search, we were intentional about identifying a coach who embodies the values of our Herd Mentality – someone who puts student-athletes first, builds meaningful relationships, recruits relentlessly, and competes with integrity. We weren’t looking for the next coach; we were looking for the right coach, and we believe Phoebe Campbell is exactly that.”

Campbell will likely be launched at a press convention at 11 a.m. on June 30 within the Dutch Miller Deck at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

“I want to thank Athletic Director Gerald Harrison and President Brad Smith for believing in my ability to lead the Women’s Swimming and Diving team,” Campbell mentioned. “I am committed to adding to the rich history of Marshall University and the excellence of the student-athletes. I am humbled and excited by this amazing opportunity to work with people so committed to the success and well-being of their student-athletes. The tight-knit community that Marshall is known for makes this an easy place to call home.”

Campbell brings intensive expertise to Marshall Swim & Dive, most just lately serving as assistant coach at Akron the place she led recruiting efforts, supported crew operations and helped this system safe its fifth consecutive Mid-American Conference title.

She additionally has expertise at New Mexico, Texas A&M and Vassar College, and has additionally coached for a number of aggressive membership packages, serving within the improvement of elite swimmers inside the sport on the NCAA, nationwide and worldwide ranges.

All these alternatives have ready Campbell for her first head teaching job with the Herd.

“Additionally, I would like to acknowledge all of the positive influences and mentors I have had over the years who have given me the opportunities to grow in this profession,” Campbell mentioned. “I would like to thank Brian Peresie (Akron), Naya Higashijima (UNM), Jay Holmes (Arizona/Texas A&M), and Lisl Prater-Lee (Vassar College). Sharing the pool deck and learning from these fantastic coaches has given me the knowledge and skills necessary to lead this program with confidence and integrity.”

Harrison mentioned Campbell’s expertise mixed together with her ardour to make her an ideal candidate to steer the Herd ahead.

“Phoebe brings a diverse background and experience from multiple levels of collegiate athletics, along with an outstanding reputation as a recruiter, organizer, and relationship builder,” Harrison mentioned. “Her energy, passion, temperament, and leadership style make her the right coach to lead Marshall Swimming and Diving into an exciting new era. She has a clear vision for developing champions in the pool, in the classroom, and in our community, and we are excited to watch her build upon the strong foundation of this program.”

Campbell’s efforts as a collegiate coach earned her a number of accolades throughout her profession as an assistant coach. She was a CSCAA Coaches Academy member in 2025 and was additionally acknowledged as an ASCA ’30-under-30′ Award Winner in 2023.

Prior to her teaching profession, Campbell was a crew captain and standout swimmer at Henderson State University.

“Marshall Swimming and Diving has a bright future, and I am confident Phoebe is the right person to lead it. We are thrilled to welcome Phoebe to Huntington and to the Marshall family as we continue pursuing our vision of becoming one of the most complete athletics departments in the country. I know Herd Nation will join me in welcoming Coach Campbell as we write the next chapter of Marshall Swimming and Diving together. Go Herd!”

What They’re Saying About Phoebe Campbell

“Phoebe has been a tremendous part of our program, and I could not be more excited for her as she takes this next step in her coaching career. She has a strong coaching mind, a great ability to build relationships, and a sincere commitment to helping student-athletes become the best version of themselves. Marshall is getting a high-character leader who will bring energy, purpose, and care to the program every day.”

–      Brian Peresie, Akron Swim & Dive Head Coach

“Phoebe spent several seasons with us – first with our summer camp, then later as one of our coaches. The thing I appreciate the most about her is her willingness to step into the fire with a smile and ‘can do’ attitude, every day of the week. The fire is a hard place to be in. She would plunge in those places for us. I’m real proud of her and this opportunity she has in leading the program at Marshall. I’m now a fan of Marshall Swimming & Diving and will be following the Herd!”

–      Jay Holmes, Arizona Swim & Dive Assistant Coach

“I am thrilled that Marshall University has chosen Phoebe Campbell to lead its swimming and diving program. She is an outstanding leader whose loyalty, compassion, and dedication have had a tremendous impact on our athletes at the University of New Mexico. Throughout her time with our program, Phoebe played a vital role in the continued growth and success. Her experiences at Akron, New Mexico, Texas A&M, and Ball State have prepared her exceptionally well for this head coaching opportunity. What sets Phoebe apart is her genuine ability to build meaningful relationships with her student-athletes while understanding the challenges they face both in and out of the pool. Her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to developing well-rounded young women will help them excel not only in competition but also in life beyond college athletics. Congratulations to the Thundering Herd for selecting an amazing woman to guide their women’s swimming and diving program into this exciting new chapter. I am looking forward to seeing the continued success Phoebe will bring to the program.”

–      Naya Higashijima, University of New Mexico Swim & Dive Head Coach

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