The men’s and women’s swimming teams are excited to announce the hiring of two new members of the coaching staff, Carolyn Meier and Dr. Dan Morrissy. Meier will be serving as a Graduate Assistant Coach while Morrissy will be working with the team as a Volunteer Assistant Coach.
“We are adding two individuals who will make an immediate impact,” Head Coach Jamie Platt said. “Both have great backgrounds to help our program accomplish the lofty goals set. The staff and student athletes are lucky to have Dan and Carolyn working with us.”
Meier is a graduate of Shippensburg University (’16) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and minors in Biology and Coaching. While at Shippensburg, she was an active member of the Swimming and Diving team as well as the Outdoor Track and Field team. A 12-time individual Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) finalist, she received all-conference honors each year and was named a scholar athlete every semester.
“I am extremely honored and privileged to represent La Salle University and to be a part of the Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving programs,” Meier said upon the announcement of being hired. “I’m excited to further expand my coaching abilities and experience, pursue my academic career goals, and assist in continuing to develop the program.”
Meier currently holds the Shippensburg record in the women’s 200 yard freestyle and is a member of the school’s 200 yard freestyle, 400 yard freestyle and 400 yard medley record-holding relays. In track and field, she qualified for PSACs in the 800 meters as well as the 4×800 meter relay, which placed first at PSAC championship in 2015.
In addition to her schooling and sports participation, Meier was an active member in the school community. She was a member of the National Honor Fraternity and held two leadership positions. Through the organization, she organized and managed a 5K walk to benefit children with Apraxia of Speech. She was also a member of the Women’s Athletic sorority, which sponsored community service events in the Shippensburg area.
She is looking forward to pursuing her Master’s in Education at La Salle University.
Morrissey is a Sports Medicine Specialist who was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. As an alumni of La Salle ’98, he was an integral member of the Explorers’ swim team while completing an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. He went on to attend the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine before completing his Emergency Medicine residency at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia.
“It’s exciting to be back at La Salle,” he said. “The swimming program continues to evolve each year and has such a bright future. I am happy to be a part of it.”
After several years of practice, Morrissey and his wife moved to New Zealand for adventure and a chance to practice emergency medicine abroad. Upon return to the USA, he completed a fellowship in Adult & Pediatric Sports Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia-University of Pennsylvania Sports Medicine Fellowship.
Morrissey’s experience includes work with patients and athletes of all ages including NCAA Division I and professional athletes. He has served as the Assistant Team Physician for the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), and the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL).
He is currently practicing Sports Medicine at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery. His medical interests include maximizing performance, improving recovery and avoiding injury.
He looks forward to contributing towards the Explorer swim team’s future success.
Courtesy of La Salle University Athletics.
