Neal Studd to Replace Frank Bradley at Florida State

Florida State will appoint Neal Studd as their new head swimming coach for the 2016-2017 season after terminating former head coach Frank Bradley 6 weeks ago.

Studd has served as the only head coach in Florida Gulf Coast history, where he started the program in 2007 and has won 7 CCSA Conference Championships, a 28-1 all-time dual meet record, and 5 CCSA Coach of the Year honors.

“I am going to miss FGCU for sure. It has been a wonderful place to work with and they’ve been great people to work for,” Studd said. “I’m going to miss my team who I have great relationships with and respect for.

“I am excited that at Florida State we have every opportunity to take the program to the very highest levels. It’s an outstanding place with great resources and I can’t wait to coach men again, too.”

Florida Gulf Coast, despite having a less-than-full scholarship load and no men’s program, has developed into one of the most successful mid-major programs in the country. That includes a 220.5-132.5 victory in a two-day dual meet in November – the team’s second-straight win in the head-to-head series.

The Eagles were the high-scoring mid-major team at the 2015 NCAA Championships with 37.5 points for 26th place. That was only 2 spots lower than Florida State placed that year.

Studd’s appointment was announced to the Florida State team on Wednesday.

Hailing from the UK, Studd is a former varsity captain at Florida Atlantic University, where he also served on the coaching staff for 8 season. Studd also spent some time outside of swimming working with Morgan Stanley.

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Scrooge McDuck
7 years ago

Any word on who he hiring? Jesse Moore could be a great fit if you are trying to jumpstart recruiting!

William
7 years ago

Just ask Kira T about Neal and how good of a coach he is.

Kira Toussaint 50 Free 22.79 (2014), 23.07 (2015), then 22.13 at Tennessee in 2016
Kira Toussaint 100 Free 49.89 (2014), DNS (2015), then 47.78 at Tennessee in 2016
Kira Toussaint 100 Back 51.68 (2014), 51.73 (2015), then 50.85 at Tennessee in 2016
Kira Toussaint 100 Back LCM 1:01.66 (2013), 1:01.50 (2014), 1:02.34 (2015), then 1:00.25 at Tennessee in 2016.

Facts here. UT is a great place to be right now, and so is UGA, UVA, Louisville, others. Lots of people in Florida are getting the wrong information. Has anyone really gotten faster with Neal?! He could be the most over rated coach out there.

weirdo
7 years ago

you are wrong in that Gary Taylor did get an interview and was one of the finalist. he also would have been great but the committee must have thought Studd would be better….. Gary will get his turn.

Shocked
7 years ago

So much for it not being about the money and signing that brand new contract with FGCU, just rubs me the wrong way.

FSU alum
Reply to  Shocked
7 years ago

Its not about the money, its about the school. FSU is a much better place to build a legacy than Arkansas. You’re saying a coach leaving for a better school, double salary, and triple the resources, rubs you the wrong way?

JPN Coach
7 years ago

Congratulations to Neal, his family, and Florida State Athletic Department. FSU is very lucky to have the Studd Family!

Crank fraudley
7 years ago

What!!!t? I miss frank!

@DutchWomen
7 years ago

Fantastic hire by FSU. If anyone doubts what Neal can do, just look at the results. 2-0 over FSU women in the last two years – he has quietly built the 2nd best program in the state of Florida and was gaining on the Gators. Laugh all you want – try doing what he did – starting a program from scratch then taking it to top-25 without full cost of attendance or even fully funded…and did it without a football team on campus as well. Anyone doubting this hire is speaking from emotion, not logic or reason. Thankfully this is an objective sport – the watch seldom lies!

Fgcuinterestedrecruit
7 years ago

Anyone know who might be the next coach at fgcu?!

noles
Reply to  Fgcuinterestedrecruit
7 years ago

Doesn’t matter.. come be a nole!

Scrooge McDuck
Reply to  Fgcuinterestedrecruit
7 years ago

April Woo? Former longtime assistant there

Jessie
Reply to  Scrooge McDuck
7 years ago

April Woo 4 President, should be considered for the job. She did a fantastic job at CSU with the group she coached!

OG Swimmer
Reply to  Jessie
7 years ago

Think about Peter Banks. Peter is coming back to the States in August. World distance and sprint coach, Maritza and Brooke. Tremendous links to European recruits. Well respected by all Florida coaches. Getting Peter would put Gulf Coast in contention for top 20 every year.

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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