In a stunning move, Georgia Tech head coach Courtney Shealy Hart has resigned from her position to “pursue a new professional opportunity outside of sports,” the school announced. Hart has been at Georgia Tech for 17 years, including 15 as head coach.
“The decision to step down after 15-plus years leading the Georgia Tech swimming and diving program is an incredibly difficult one,” Hart said. “I have been completely transparent with our team about the factors that led me to this decision, which first and foremost is my family, my greatest source of strength and support. Over the years, the demands of this role have grown, and I find myself needing more time to be present with them. As much as I love this program and each of our student-athletes, I must prioritize my family during this stage of my life. Additionally, I have experienced some health challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to meet the demands of this role. I have always prided myself on giving 100% to this team, but I now realize that I need to focus on my well-being to ensure that I can be there for my family and my future endeavors.
“Thank you to my team and coaches for their understanding and the incredible journey we’ve had together. I will always be rooting for them and look forward to seeing all of the amazing things they’ll do in the future.”
Shealy Hart arrived at Georgia Tech in 2007, serving as an assistant until 2009 when she was then named head coach on April 30, 2009. Since becoming head coach, all of the women’s school records have been broken under her guidance. All but one of the men’s records, with the exception of the 400 IM from 2009, have been set during her time as head coach as well.
Both the men’s and women’s programs finished 9th out of 11 teams at the 2024 ACC Championships. The men sent four swimmers and one diver to 2024 NCAAs while the women sent one swimmer and one diver. Neither team scored points at their respective 2024 NCAA Championships.
Undergraduate classes at Georgia Tech are scheduled to begin in just five days from now on Monday, August 19th. Head diving coach John Ames has already been named interim head coach of the swimming and diving programs. Ames has been with Georgia Tech diving for 23 years.
The team also saw the departure of associate head coach Chico Rego this offseason as Rego took the job as head coach at George Washington University. Most of the head coaching positions have already been filled this offseason, with a few exceptions coming at the mid-major level. Now, a Power 4 head coaching position is open.
Break dancing for sure.
LOL. She bailed. What exactly is a professional opportunity outside of sports, when you have two degrees in sports management? You aren’t qualified to do anything else.
Coaching feeds into any recruiting profession pretty easily. I know several coaches who have left to pursue a career in sales as well.
Not true
AKA moving on to have a life!
This would be an interesting job to fall in Wyatt Collins lap.
It looks like Wyatt is going to be a “Special Assistant” at Texas
Surely that can’t keep him happy for long? Unless he just doesn’t want to leave Austin
I have no insider info, just saw that title under his biography on the website (I’m waiting for the new roster + staff to release). Wyatt doesn’t follow Bob or the Texas account on Instagram so idk what’s going on, but I’m hoping if there is any tension that it doesn’t affect the team
I mean…this is shocking this late into summer. And how she’s taking a professional opportunity out of athletics. Of anything always thought she’d become an administrator. Best wishes to her and her family, hope this helps her healthwise, and hope GT is able to find a great candidate moving forward.
Courtney has been a great steward for Yellow Jacket Swimming & Diving as well as a leader in the sport and profession. But more importantly, she has been a great mentor to myself and a great number of coaches and athletes that have passed through the program. Thanks for all you have done!
Ding, Dong, the……
doorbell is ringing!
I can’t believe she has been there for 17 years.
This should be a positive for Ga Tech
You are right, it should be good for GT except the timing sucks!