FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Colorado State swimming and diving program has announced the addition of Chelsea Popplewell to its staff as the head diving coach.
“Chelsea was the top-candidate for this job for a multitude of reasons,” CSU Head Coach Christopher Woodard said. “She has a proven track record of recruiting and developing great divers at the Division I level. Her demeanor and her philosophy are both a great match for our institution and our athletes. She expressed a great respect and desire to represent CSU. We are looking forward to her starting a new era in CSU diving.”
“I am honored and grateful to be joining the Ram family,” Popplewell added. “I can’t thank Colorado State enough for this unbelievable opportunity. I look forward to continuing the development of the diving program, building on the great foundation already in place and eventually taking it to a new level of success.”
Popplewell spent the 2015-16 season as the head diving coach at Northern Colorado. Under Popplewell’s tutelage, three Bears divers had at least one career high this past season. Savanna Meadows set career highs in each board, and posted school record marks in the 3-meter (322.30) and the Platform (246.00 at the WAC Championship).
While at Wyoming, Popplewell mentored the men’s and women’s diving squads. Derek Campbell took the 3-meter springboard WAC championship in 2014 on the men’s side, and Amanda Fay earned All-Mountain West recognition in all three disciplines on the women’s side. Popplewell also sent five divers to the NCAA Zone “E” Diving Championships.
Prior to her time at Wyoming, Popplewell was the diving coach at Idaho from 2011-13, where many of her divers set school records and competed in the NCAA postseason.
Popplewell herself was a five-time Summit League conference champion as a student-athlete at Oakland from 2008-11. She also excelled in the classroom as a two-time NCAA Division I Honorable Mention Academic All-American. Popplewell earned her master’s degree in organizational learning and leadership from the University of Idaho in 2013.
Popplewell is married to Colorado State Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Digital Media Nick Popplewell.
Swimming news courtesy of CSU Swimming & Diving.
