Tony Hernandez has been named Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Coach at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, as announced today by Director of Athletics Lori Flanagan.
Hernandez comes to UMSL following two seasons as the assistant men’s and women’s swimming coach at Henderson State.
“Tony has a clear vision of what is needed to build and maintain a competitive swimming and diving program in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and nationally,” said Flanagan. “He brings well-rounded experience as both a student-athlete and an assistant coach as well as an enthusiasm that we believe will help grow our program. We are confident that under Coach Hernandez’s leadership, our swimming and diving programs will succeed while proudly representing the University of Missouri-St. Louis.”
While at Henderson State, Hernandez oversaw recruiting efforts and directed the strength and conditioning programs for all swimmers and divers. In his two seasons, 21 school records were broken, three individuals and six relays qualified for the NCAA DII Championships and five All-American honors were earned.
“I am very excited to be named head swimming and diving coach at UMSL,” said Hernandez. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to build a program at a University in a highly reputable conference like the GLVC, and to work in an area where there is a lot of swimming talent. I am excited to begin the recruiting process and build a full roster and then to start working with the student-athletes.”
Prior to his appointment at Henderson State, Hernandez was a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Truman State, and also has coaching experience with the Riptide Swim Club and the Woodson Estates Swim Club. He also serves as a camp coach for the University of Florida Athletic Association, Gator Swim Camp.
The Kansas City, Mo., native swam at Truman State from 2009-13 where he was a three-time all-conference selection and a two-time team captain. Hernandez also held school records in the 100 and 200-yard breaststrokes. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Sports & Recreation Management in 2013 and a Masters of Arts in Leadership, Coaching and Sports Administration in 2015.
News courtesy of UMSL Athletics.
