Jake Shellenberger
Liberty
Jake was hired as the first-ever head coach for the Liberty University Women’s Swimming team in 2009. He has helped to build the program from the very start in the mountains of Lynchburg, VA. Shellenberger and the Lady Flames hold a 55-21 dual-meet record, one CCSA conference title (2014), and two CCSA runner-up finishes (2012, 2013). Shellenberger has been named CCSA Swimming Coach of the Year at the 2012 and 2014 conference championships.
In just the fourth year in program history, Shellenberger guided the Lady Flames to the 2014 CCSA Championship title, defeating five-time champion Florida Gulf Coast in a close contest, 732.5 to 718.5. During the 2014 conference meet, the Lady Flames recorded an impressive 18 podium finishes, nine B cuts, one A cut, six CCSA records, six meet records, and 16 program records. Liberty placed 43rd at the 2014 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming & Diving National Championships, making its third straight NCAA nationals appearance. Liberty sophomore Jess Reinhardt became the team’s highest-placing individual at nationals with 10th place in the 100 fly, earning the CCSA-record and an All-America honor. Liberty also achieved the first NCAA A cut relay in conference history to send the 200 medley relay of Kendall Hough, Emilie Kaufman, Jess Reinhardt, and Meghan Babcock to the NCAA National Championship.
In the 2013-2014 year, Liberty posted its second runner-up finish in a row at the 2013 CCSA Swimming & Diving Championships. The Lady Flames earned their first ever national ranking during the 2012-13 season, being ranked No. 37 in the Endless Pools/CollegeSwimming.com Top 25.
During Liberty’s second year as a program, the team achieved a second place finish in the CCSA. The Flames also earned their first All-America honor, as Brye Ravettine placed 13th in the 50 free at the 2012 NCAA Division I Swimming and Diving Championships. Shellenberger coached Ravettine to become 2012 CCSA Swimmer of the Year and Swimmer of the Meet. Also during this season, the 2011-12 recruiting class received mention on CollegeSwimming.com.
The Lady Flames have also competed on the national stage, including USA Swimming Nationals, Winter Nationals, and the Olympic Trials. Brye Ravettine, Laura Day, Natalie Beale, and Jess Reinhardt all competed in Olympic Trials during 2012. At the 2014 US Open, Emilie Kaufman and Day qualified for finals in the 100-meter breaststroke, with Kaufman taking 13th place overall. Emily Duff, Morgan Noonan, Ranndi Grubbs, and Meghan Babcock competed in the 400 medley relay at the 2014 Summer Nationals in Irvine, CA.
Shellenberger came to Liberty with previous collegiate coaching experience from Penn State, Arizona, and Millersville University.
Personal
Shellenberger graduated from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Arts in history and a minor in coaching in December 2005. He was a four-year member of the Shippensburg Raiders’ mens swimming program and captain of the team during his senior season.
Shellenberger is a current member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, American Swimming Coaches Association, and the College Swimming Coaches Association of America, and well as a former certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). Shellenberger enjoys reading current research related to fast swimming and optimizing performance, as well as journaling.
Shellenberger is married to Lorin, who is currently completing her education for a PhD. The couple resides in Forest, VA.
