courtesy of ECU
Daisy Platts and Tyler Watson have been named assistant coaches according to an announcement by seventh-year swimming and diving head coach Matthew Jabs Wednesday afternoon.
“While it’s been difficult to lose two quality coaches at the same time this summer, both of our former assistants left East Carolina University in a better place than when they arrived, and for that I am very appreciative” Jabs said.
“As we move forward, I am extremely excited to add Daisy and Tyler to the staff. Both are young, hungry coaches looking to make an impact in the sport. As athletes, both had extremely accomplished careers with a great deal of experience which they can share with our current and future student-athletes. Throughout the interview process they both brought energy, enthusiasm, and a perspective on the sport that our team can greatly benefit from. I look forward to working with them both as we continue to build the program.”
Platts, originally from Leicester, England, comes to Greenville after working with Auburn University’s swimming staff where she helped coach various groups throughout the year while also gaining valuable administrative experience and earning her masters in kinesiology.
As an athlete, Platts started her career at Bowling Green State University where she was a six-time MAC Champion, two-time NCAA Championship participant (2021-22) and team captain (2022) that held seven school records. After earning her undergraduate degree in exercise science in May of 2022, Platts transferred to Auburn where she was a three-event finalist at the 2024 SEC Championships finishing fourth in the 200 backstroke, 17th in the 100 backstroke and 23rd in the 200 IM. Platts closed her collegiate career earning a berth at the NCAA Championships where she swam in the 100 and 200 backstrokes.
Watson, a Jacksonville, Fla. native, swam five seasons at the Division I level between the University of Florida (2019-23) and the University of Louisville (2024). While at Florida, he was a three-time NCAA Qualifier, two-time All-American, two-time All-SEC selection (second team) and part of three SEC Championship teams.
A two-time Olympic Trials qualifier (2021 and 2024), Watson accumulated nine SEC appearances highlighted by a third-place finish in the 1650 freestyle in 2022 and graduated with a degree in sports management. While at Louisville, he competed in the 2024 AAC Championships where he was a three-event finalist. At the conclusion of his career and throughout college, he spent time coaching with both the Gator Swim Club, and North Florida Swimming Inc. working with senior and national level groups. Watson is expected to earn his masters in sports administration from Louisville in December of 2024.
What They Are Saying About Platts:
“ECU is gaining a phenomenal competitor, technician, coach and human being in Daisy. She will bring incredible strength, passion, energy and empathy to the pool deck every single day. I’m excited to watch the impact she will have on an athletic and personal level for the student-athletes at ECU.”
Ryan Wochomurka
Head Coach Swimming & Diving
University of Auburn
What They Are Saying About Watson:
“Tyler was obviously a very accomplished swimmer, but what impressed us the most was how he helped the younger kids on our team with their strokes and races even when he was the most accomplished one in the pool. After he went off to college and made All-American, he kept coming back and supporting our kids at meets, as well as volunteering his time with our team whenever he was in town. Tyler has an excellent knowledge of stroke mechanics. I am very excited for him to be going into coaching. I think he will do a wonderful job.”
Mel Nash
Head Coach
North Florida Swimming, Inc. (former World Champion, National Champion, NCAA Champion, Pan-Am Champion)
