Courtesy: SUNY Fredonia Athletics
FREDONIA, N.Y. – Fredonia Director of Athletics Jerry Fisk announced today that, following a national search, Astrid Escobar is the new head coach of men’s and women’s swimming and diving, effective immediately.
“I am so humbled and honored,” Escobar said, “to be named Fredonia’s new head swimming and diving coach. I’m thankful to Jerry Fisk, the hiring committee, and the swim and dive team for providing me this opportunity and trusting me with the program. This is a team with endless potential – it is a great time to be a Blue Devil.”
Escobar spent the 2018-19 season as interim assistant men’s and women’s swimming coach at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She also has served as the interim head men’s and women’s swimming coach at Hamilton College in 2016-17, where she directed all aspects of the program. Escobar was also Hamilton’s interim aquatics director, managing the day-to-day operations of Bristol Pool. Prior to serving as interim head coach at Hamilton, Escobar was an assistant coach for the Continentals from 2014-16.
“I want to thank the search committee for their diligent work throughout the process,” Mr. Fisk said. “Coach Escobar brings an intensity and knowledge for the sport and student-athletes that can help take our swimming and diving program to the next level. We are excited for the future of Blue Devil swimming and diving with her at the helm.”
A 2014 graduate from Sewanee: The University of the South (Tenn.), Escobar was a six-time National Collegiate Athletic Association qualifier for the Tigers. She competed in the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke three times apiece, earning All-America honors in the 100-yard breaststroke in 2012 and 2013, and in the 200 breaststroke in 2013. She served as team captain her senior year and captured 11 conference titles over four seasons.
Escobar set Sewanee’s school and pool records in both breaststroke events and swam on school record-setting 200- and 400-yard medley relays.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and was named Sewanee’s Senior Athlete of the Year in 2014. She was also valedictorian of her high school class, graduating from Northview High School in Dothan, Ala., where she earned scholastic All-America recognition.
