Courtesy: Messiah Athletics
GRANTHAM, Pa. – On Tuesday afternoon, the Messiah University Athletic Department announced the hiring of Joshua Clarke as the new head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming teams as well as aquatics director for Fredricksen Natatorium. Clarke steps into the head coaching position after two years as the Falcons’ assistant coach. Clarke will begin his new role with the Falcons immediately.
“Joshua’s deep passion for swimming and for our swim teams was apparent from the start,” said Executive Director of Athletics Sarah Gustin-Hamrock. “His passion for the sport combined with his commitment to spiritual development made it clear that he is a great fit for Messiah Athletics and the right choice to lead our teams. We are excited to welcome him and his wife, London, as he steps into his new role as Head Coach.”
Clarke is a familiar face to the Falcons. He has patrolled the deck as an assistant coach for the last two seasons, beginning his tenure prior to the 2021-22 season. During his time with Messiah swimming, Clarke has helped develop training schedules and workouts, creating the first strength training program geared specifically towards swimmer athletes.
“I want to thank Sarah Gustin-Hamrock and the rest of the search committee for this opportunity,” shared Clarke. “I would not be here without Katie McComb, Ryan Kauth, and Katie Kurtz, helping me get to this point. Katie (McComb) and Ryan really helped to develop me and my coaching style, just preparing me for this moment. I’m so excited to be stepping into this role.”
As mentioned, Clarke has served as a member of the Messiah swimming coaching staff for the last two seasons, working under previous head coaches Katie McComb and Ryan Kauth. The Falcons have been competitive in the pool with Clarke on the deck. Over the last two seasons, Messiah has claimed 17 individual Conference Championships with the women’s swimming team winning the MAC Championships in back-to-back years.
“As I step into the head coaching role, the goal as a program is continuing success, that’s the big thing,” stated Clarke earlier this week. “Just continuing the elite mindset that has been established over the years and building upon that sustained history of success.”
A 2019 graduate of Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C., Clarke graduated with a degree in Marketing. A four-year member of the Gardner-Webb swimming team, Clarke served as a team captain during his senior year of 2018-19 while advancing to multiple finals at the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association Conference Championships during his career.
In the high school ranks, Clarke competed for Northern York, swimming in the Finals of the 100 Free and 200 Free in the 2014 State Championships.
“Swimming has always been my love and passion,” said Clarke when talking about his swimming journey. “My journey started when I was eight in the pool and then building through high school and college. Swimming at a Division I level for four years was such a privilege and was such a great opportunity for growth for me. During my college experience, we were able to discuss and talk about our faith openly and now being able to coach in a similar environment is incredible.”
Joshua and his wife London currently reside in nearby Carlisle, Pa.
💥💥💥well deserved