MEADVILLE, Pa. – Allegheny College Director of Athletics and Recreation Betsy Mitchell has announced the resignation of men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach Danielle Lindner.
Lindner, who leaves Allegheny to attend graduate school in the fall, joined the Gator staff prior to the 2007-08 academic year at age 24 to become one of the youngest head coaches in Division III.
“I am sorry to see Danielle leave but support her decision to move forward in her career through graduate school,” said Mitchell. “She has done a great job of moving our swimming and diving program forward. We wish her well.”
During her tenure, Lindner led the women to a 21-4 dual-meet record while the men posted a record of 15-20. This past season, the men placed fourth and the women were fifth at the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Championships, the highest finish for the men since the 1999-2000. As a team, Allegheny tallied nine NCAA “B” cut times, while Mirno Pasquali broke the school record in the 200-yard backstroke.
In 2008-09, the Gators broke 11 varsity records, seven on the women’s side and four on the men’s squad. As a team, Allegheny had 16 NCAA “B” cut times and two NCAA “A” cuts. The women posted a 9-4 dual-meet record and placed third at the NCAC Championships. Erin Ham was named a two-time All-American, while earning the SAAC Female Athlete of the Year and the Senior Achievement Award. The men tallied a 7-6 dual-meet record and finished sixth place at the conference championship meet.
“This was a tough decision for me,” said Lindner. “I am grateful for the opportunity that was given to me by Allegheny and Betsy Mitchell. I wish the team much success in the future.”
Lindner will remain in the office throughout the spring and early summer working primarily on her aquatic director and general student recruitment responsibilities. A national search for Allegheny’s next head coach will begin immediately.