Courtesy: JMU Sports
HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison Swimming & Diving Head Coach Dane Pedersen announced on Monday morning the elevation of Rebecca Yost to associate head coach ahead of the 2024-25 season.
“We are excited and thrilled to announce Becca’s promotion as associate head swim coach,” Pedersen said. “Becca is an integral part of our program and keeps us all moving in the right direction in all facets. I’d like to thank our administration for supporting our program and recognizing Becca for her outstanding hard work and dedication.”
Yost enters her third season with the Dukes, aiding in JMU’s runner-up finish at the 2023 Coastal Collegiate Sports Association Championships before the Dukes won the 2024 Sun Belt Conference title with a league record 1,091 points.
In addition to the team success, the Dukes have seen multiple individual swimming accomplishments during Yost’s tenure. JMU earned three major swimming awards last season in the Sun Belt, as Madison Cottrell was named the Swimming Performer of the Year, Rachael Brown was tabbed Co-Newcomer of the Year and Riley Bridgman earned Co-Freshman of the Year honors. JMU had 14 Dukes earn All-Sun Belt honors, including nine first team laurels.
JMU saw success in the record book as well, as there were 27 top 10 times and scores recorded in the 2023-24 season. In relay races, the Dukes set 10 records in 2023-24 as they set two Savage Pool records, four school records and four Sun Belt records. During the 2023 championships, the Dukes recorded 25 program top 10 times. Across her first two seasons, the Dukes produced a combined eight NCAA “B” cut times.
“I could not be more excited for such a well-deserved recognition,” Pedersen added. “Becca is the glue of our program and I look forward to everything she accomplishes.”
Congrats Becca!!