Maddy Banic is returning to the University of Tennessee as a volunteer assistant coach this season, three years after winning an NCAA title for the Volunteers in the 200 medley relay.
“I’m excited to come back and teach the team the type of grit and culture it takes to become an NCAA champion,” Banic said in a press release. “I’ve been training here for seven years. I’m excited to grow my relationships with the student-athletes, not just a peer but as a mentor. I’m honored for the opportunity, as it allows me to tap into a different facet of my swim knowledge and love of the sport.”
Banic finished her career in Knoxville with 16 medals at SEC Championships, including nine golds. She ranks second in Tennessee history in the 50 freestyle (21.54 — a program record at the time), fourth in the 100 fly (51.19), and was a member of 12 relay teams that clocked top-10 times.
During the two seasons of the International Swimming League, Banic experienced a career resurgence with the Energy Standard. In 2020, she set a new American record in the 50-yard butterfly with a time of 24.80.
“It’s such a thrill to be able to bring Maddy Banic, one of our all-time great student athletes, onto our coaching staff,” Tennessee director of swimming and diving Matt Kredich said. “One of our core team beliefs is that having a deep, meaningful, elite team experience in college can transform one’s life, and that what we learn through that experience will propel our graduates into tremendous success in everything they do after their collegiate career is over. Maddy is a shining example of that.”
The 25-year-old Virginia native should also be a good resource for the Volunteers based on her history of being open about her mental health struggles.
“Maddy is a fierce competitor, a relentless student of the sport and a joyful presence on the pool deck,” Kredich added. “Her willingness to share the details of her whole swimming journey has been an inspiration to so many who have struggled with mental health, self-doubt and their place in the sport and in the world. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our team, and we’re incredibly excited to have her join our staff.”
>In 2020, she set a new American record in the 50-yard butterfly with a time of 24.80.
SCM I think
Also congratulations on the new gig Ms Banic.
Never quite understand these young girls doing these jobs as a “volunteer”?? Like, how do you live?? How do you have money for rent & groceries?
Perhaps she has another job and is just doing this part-time as a sort of “trial run” into coaching? Ask Wyatt Collins, who was a volunteer coach at Texas for two seasons and now seems primed to be their next head coach IF Eddie Reese ever decides to retire (for good).
The fact that being a “volunteer” assistant is a common, sometimes necessary, step to get into college coaching is a big ridiculous. It heightens the bar of entry into the profession and favors those with other sources of support. At least pay them minimum wage.
same stupidity as internship, using young people as free work force in many situations with a promise of something, to some.
Is she still competing or is she retired?
Awesome!
Great things happen here everyday!
Class act. Wish her and the program success
Best wishes Maddy.