Two weeks after resigning from Auburn University to move to New York City, Demerae Christianson has landed a job as assistant coach at Columbia University.
“I am really excited to have Demerae joining the Columbia coaching staff. In addition to her amazing coaching credentials and success as a college student athlete, her enthusiasm and vibrant personality will certainly energize the pool deck, recruiting and alumni interactions.” – Diana Caskey, head coach, Columbia University Women’s Swimming and Diving
Christianson comes to Columbia from her alma mater, Auburn, where she was as an assistant coach for three seasons and oversaw recruiting for the women’s team. She had particular success with the women’s breaststroke group, and told SwimSwam, “I was super proud of was coaching four girls to go under a minute at SEC’s.”
Prior to that, she spent three years coaching at Arizona State, whose women’s team saw three-straight top 25 finishes at the NCAA Championships.
In total, Christianson has four years of coaching experience with the Tigers, as she assisted in the 2004-2005 season after completing her athletic eligibility. That was a year when both teams won SEC Championships and the men took home the NCAA title.
Christianson also has short stints at Louisville and Maryland (prior to the program being cut) on her resume. Most of her college coaching jobs have had an Auburn connection – she worked under Auburn alum Dave Durden at Maryland, and under Auburn alum Dorsey Tierney-Walker at Arizona State.
“I would like to thank Diana Caskey and Columbia University Athletics for this opportunity. I am honored to become a part of not only a successful Swimming and Diving program, but also one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
“I am genuinely excited to work with Diana, and learn from her experience. She has consistently led the Lions to success in the Ivy League, and I am eager to help her continue that tradition of excellence.”
Demerae is a fantastic coach. Though I will miss her at Auburn, I’m excited for her future at Columbia and beyond. They are very lucky to have her!