Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. --- Life University Director of Athletics Jayme Pendergast announced Wednesday afternoon the promotion of Ellen Johnson as the interim men and women's swimming and diving head coach.
 
Johnson has been assisting the swim program for the last two seasons, where the Running Eagles have found major success. She will step into her new role with the team immediately and will look to continue her success. A former NCAA Division 1 Swimmer at South Carolina, Johnson has been involved with collegiate swimming for more than six years. In her time on campus, she has helped the Running Eagles achieve 25 All-Mid-South Conference accolades, eight individual MSC championships, 13 MSC All-Academic honors and 20 NAIA All-Americans. She will be instrumental in the introduction of the diving program on campus as well. 
 
Pendergast expanded on the success Johnson brings to the program stating, "Ellen has been a significant part of our swim program's success since 2019 and her love for the team, enthusiasm for the challenge, and commitment to the growth of our student-athletes gives me the utmost confidence in her abilities to maximize this upcoming season. With the timing of the search and the need to maintain the strong culture of this program, Ellen has stepped up to lead us through the 2021-22 season"
 
Johnson expressed her excitement stating, "I'm happy to continue the legacy that is Life University swimming, and I am looking forward to a great season! I am equally excited to launch the diving program here on campus, and to continue to grow this program towards the future."

The position will remain open throughout the 2020-21 season, and will look to be filled after the NAIA Championships. All interested candidates should email Jayme Pendergast at jayme.pendergast@life.edu