The Notre Dame Men’s Swimming & Diving team is adding a new face to the staff this upcoming season. Head coach Matt Tallman will welcome Joe Spahn as their Operations Director. Spahn has a wealth of experience with swimming, having been involved with multiple division 1 programs, as well as competing in division 2. He will begin his work during the 2015-16 season.
Before landing the job for the Fighting Irish, Spahn was an assistant coach at University of Hawaii Manoa. His duties there also included being the women’s recruiting coordinator and travel coordinator. He played a role in leading the women to an MPSF conference title. He also worked with the local USMS program as a coordinator. Spahn worked on fundraising and online registrations, leading to a sizeable increase in membership.
For the 2012-13 season, Spahn worked with the UNLV men as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. At the 2013 Western Athletic Conference Championships, his team won their 8th title in 9 years, asserting their dominance in the WAC.
As a graduate student, Spahn worked under UGA head coach Jack Bauerle as a volunteer assistant from 2010-2012. He helped coach the women to 3 straight SEC titles. The Bulldog women also earned a 2nd place finish at the NCAA championships during his time at UGA. Aside from his volunteer assistant duties, he was an assistant coach for the Athens Bulldogs Swim Team. Spahn also started the first swim team and lessons program at the Athens Country Club, where he oversaw all pool operations. He earned his Master’s degree from UGA in kinesiology in May of 2012.
Spahn also has experience as a pool manager and camp counselor. He was in charge of pool maintenance at multiple locations for A & B Pool Services. He’s coached and worked as a camp counselor at 4 college summer swim camps.
During his collegiate career, Spahn competed in swimming and cross country at Coe College in Iowa as a freshman and sophomore. He then finished his swimming career at Minnesota State University Mankato, where he recieved his Bachelor’s degree in physical education. As a distance swimmer, he ended his career with all-conference and academic all-conference accolades.
Way to go, Joe! What a great gig! Your dad and I played there once!
Welcome to the Notre Dame Swim family Joe! Go Irish!!
Joe..CONGRATS! I will be sure to mention to your dad..you are a better coach..haha! I swim for your Dad in NM and also KU…Big shoes to follow but looks like you are making big strides with your career!