One of the top female breaststrokers in Louisville history is headed to the other side of the pool deck.
Mia Cheatwood, a Toledo native who just graduated from the University of Louisville, has been named an assistant coach at the University of Toledo.
“I am extremely thankful to Jacy [Dyer, head coach] for the opportunity to return home and coach in a place that means so much to me,” said Cheatwood in the university’s press release. “I’m excited to work with high-level athletes, see them as people first, and build strong relationships to help develop them into successful young women!”
Cheatwood wrapped up her collegiate career at the NCAA Championships in March, where she placed 10th in the 200 breaststroke (2:07.76) and 14th in the 100 breaststroke (58.79). A month earlier at the ACC Championships, she posted lifetime bests of 2:06.40 and 58.59 en route to fifth- and sixth-place finishes.
A transfer from West Virginia, Cheatwood spent her final two collegiate seasons at Louisville after winning the 2024 Big 12 title in the 200 breaststroke. During her first season with the Cardinals in 2025, she placed sixth in the 100 breaststroke and 11th in the 200 breaststroke at the ACC Championships, then finished 18th in the 200 breast and 21st in the 100 breast at NCAAs, where she also helped Louisville to eighth in the 400 medley relay.
Cheatwood leaves Louisville ranked as the second-fastest 200 breaststroker and third-fastest 100 breaststroker in program history. She also holds both breaststroke school records at West Virginia.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in public health.
“I am so excited for Mia to join the Rocket family,” said head coach Jacy Dyer. “I’ve known her a long time and love her drive, competitiveness, intelligence, and passion. Not only is Mia from Toledo, she is one of the best swimmers in the country. She will be able to bring so many strengths to this program with her elite level of swimming and her love for Toledo. Mia is going to make an immediate impact as a coach and most importantly, as a person.”
A women’s-only program, Toledo placed eighth out of nine teams at the Mid-American Conference Championships this past season.
According to the team’s website, the school did not employ an assistant coach for the 2025-26 season, following Guy Buls’ departure in June 2025 to take an assistant coaching position at Rice University.
They are SO lucky! Mia is a champion in every aspect, but especially as a person!!