Courtesy: Rowan Athletics
GLASSBORO, NJ – Elise Blaschke has been named head women’s swimming and diving coach at Rowan University, after serving as assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s programs for the past six years, it was announced by interim director of athletics Dr. John Giannini.
Brad Bowser, who has been the men’s and women’s head swimming and diving coach for the past five years, will continue to guide the men’s program.
With Bowser as head coach, and Blaschke as assistant, the Prof men have captured three consecutive NJAC titles. The 2018-19 season was highlighted by sophomore Kevin Gillooly earning All-America honors with his sixth-place finish in the 100 freestyle at the NCAA Championships. Rowan also placed 17th at the NCAA Division III Championships in 2017-18 and was ninth at NCAA’s in 2016-17.
Last year the Rowan women’s team saw junior Carlee Timmins receive All-American Honorable Mention with her performance in the 1650 freestyle at the NCAA Championships. The Profs also captured their third consecutive NJAC and Metropolitan conference titles.
“With today’s announcement, we are happy to dedicate excellent head coaches to both our men’s and women’s swimming programs. As head coach of both programs, Coach Bowser built each to a position of strength. With Coach Blaschke’s outstanding contributions as assistant coach, this is an ideal time for her to lead our women’s program,” said Giannini. “While Coach Bowser will lead the men and Coach Blashke will lead the women, they will also continue to assist each other as well. We are very proud of both programs and the teamwork which they succeed with.”
“I am honored for the opportunity to be named head coach of Rowan’s women’s swimming and diving program. As I take on the challenges accompanied in the transition, I stand confident that great things can continue to be expected from both the women’s and men’s programs,” said Blaschke.
“I’m excited to see the continued growth and development of the women’s program and am proud to forge an effective partnership with Brad. I am thankful for the shared success under his direction and grateful for the trust of the athletic administration that has led to this opportunity.”
Blaschke joined the Rowan staff after four years of coaching the Retriever Aquatic Club in Catonsville, MD, during her collegiate athletic career.
A native of Washington Township, New Jersey, Blaschke swam collegiately at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) where she earned consecutive America East All-Conference honors. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UMBC in 2013 and completed her master’s degree at Rowan in December 2018.
