Minnesota has announced two promotions within its coaching staff for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. Maddy Olson has been promoted to Senior Associate Head Coach while Zach Mertens has been promoted to Associate Head Coach. Kelly Kremer leads the men’s and women’s programs as Director of Swimming and Diving.
The changes come after Stacy Busack departed the program at the end of March, citing it as “a personal decision.” Busack had been with the program since 2021.
Olson enters her 9th season with the Gophers and primarily coaches the distance group. Olson was an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2025 World Championships in the open water events. Olson coached alumnus Joey Tepper who went on to finish 12th in the 10k open water event in Singapore.
“Minnesota is home for me,” said Olson. “I’m so thankful to Coach Kremer and the group of swimmers I get to work with every day, it’s a joy to be going into year 9!”
Mertens will enter his 4th season with the program this fall and primarily works with the team’s sprint group. “I’m so grateful to Coach Kelly Kremer and this opportunity,” said Mertens. “I’m fortunate to work with such an accomplished staff here at Minnesota and I’m excited to be part of the future of such a historic program. Go Gophers!”
The Minnesota women finished 6th out of 14 teams at the 2026 Big Ten Championships with 701 points, finishing just 67 points behind 5th place USC. The team sent two individual swimmers to the 2026 NCAA Championships. Junior Katie McCarthy scored in the 1650 free with an 11th place finish (16:03.41). McCarthy is primarily coached by Olson.
The Minnesota men finished 8th out of nine teams at the 2026 Big Ten Championships. The team went on to finish 31st at the 2026 NCAA Championships, led by butterflyer Jacob Johnson who has since announced his transfer to Georgia.
Well deserved Maddy. Best of luck.