Posted: Jul 29, 2022

Straker Steps Down From USJ Swimming & Diving Programs

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - Head coach and aquatics director Brenda Straker of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) men's and women's swimming and diving programs has made the difficult decision to step away from USJ after eight years of service, the USJ Department of Athletics recently announced. A national search is currently underway to find the next head coach of the programs.

"It was not an easy decision for me to step away from coaching, but many personal factors helped me with the ultimate decision to 'hang up my stop watch' after 23 years of collegiate coaching," stated Straker. "I believe the program is in a good place, and I am confident our student-athletes will continue to shine with their dedication and commitment to USJ men's and women's swimming and diving."

"We want to thank Brenda for her eight years at USJ where she played an integral role in student-athlete's success both in the pool and in the classroom," stated USJ Director of Athletics Amanda Devitt. "We wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors."

Straker was the third head coach in USJ women's swimming and diving program history and was instrumental in launching the first-ever men's swimming and diving program in 2018 as USJ transitioned from a women's-only college to a fully coeducational institution. After taking over the reigns of the women's team in 2014, Straker helped build the program and led the Blue Jays to as high as a third-place finish at the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championships in 2019. Over three seasons from 2017-2020 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Straker guided USJ to a 13-7 record in dual meets during that span, which marked one of the best three-year dual meet records in program history.

On the men's side, Straker started the program from scratch and over three full seasons (2020-21 season canceled due to COVID-19) the Blue Jays improved each year at the GNAC Championships finishing sixth in 2019, fourth in 2020, and third in 2022. Additionally, Straker coached the most decorated swimmer in USJ men's swimming and diving program history in Jacob Wyse. Wyse, who graduated this past May, holds numerous school records, has a handful of NEISDA gold medals, was named the 2019 GNAC Rookie of the Year, and was tabbed the 2020 GNAC Athlete of the Year.

"I would like to thank all the wonderful student-athletes who made my time at USJ a fantastic experience," Straker added. "You all hold a special place in my heart"

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