Emily Claesson has joined the Virginia Tech coaching staff as an assistnat coach for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. Claesson graduated from Virginia Tech this spring. Claesson fills the position previously held by Klaudia Nazieblo who spent the last five years at Virginia Tech before making the move to join the Miami-FL coaching staff earlier this summer.
“We are very excited to have Emily Claesson as our newest assistant coach,” head coach Sergio Lopez Miro said. “She has done an amazing job the last four years as a student-athlete and as a member of the women’s team. She is a leader by nature, and I am so excited about what she can bring to the table, not just with her knowledge, but with her passion for being a Hokie and for Virginia Tech. As a student-athlete, she always asked questions and wanted to improve, and she will be extremely valuable for us.”
Claesson arrived at Virginia Tech in fall 2022 and qualified for the NCAA Championships in all four seasons with the Hokies. She swam on the team’s 200, 400, and 800 freestyle relays at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
“This program is so special and has been such an integral part of my life,” Claesson said. “Wearing maroon and orange for the last four years while calling Blacksburg my home has been nothing short of a blessing. Being a part of Virginia Tech Swim and Dive has given me so many opportunities and shaped me as a person. An opportunity like this, to support this amazing group of athletes, is a dream. I look forward to helping them develop as teammates, leaders, and people, both in and out of the water. I am honored to have the privilege of working with this amazing coaching staff and this incredible school. I am thrilled to be stepping into this role and am so excited for all to come!”
Claesson holds the Virginia Tech school record in the 400 free relay as she helped the team to a 3:12.45 at the 2026 ACC Championships. She also is in the all-time top 10 in the 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 400 medley relay, 200 free relay, and 800 free relay. She graduated this past spring with a degree in public health.
The Virginia Tech women finished 9th at the 2026 ACC Championships and went on to finish 37th at the 2026 NCAA Championships. The men’s program finished 5th at the 2026 ACC Championships and finished 11th at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
