May 11, 2004

Director of Athletics John D'Argenio announced today that Rob Swingle has been named Head Women's Water Polo Coach at Siena College. Swingle comes to the Loudonville campus from Villanova University where he served as an assistant coach.

"The opportunity I have with Siena College is a dream come true for me," Swingle said. "I hope to live up to the expectations of my athletes, the College and myself, while continuing the excellent values Siena seeks and develops in its student athletes."

Swingle comes to Siena after a successful water polo career as both a player and coach. A graduate of Purdue University, he excelled for four years with the Boilermakers, where he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors as a junior and senior. In high school, he was a State Champion in the 100 backstroke as a senior, and after he graduated from Purdue Swingle played for senior club teams in Philadelphia, Chicago and Atlanta.

Swingle's coaching career began at Emory University in Atlanta where he was Head Coach of the women's club team for five seasons. During that time, Swingle racked up institutional and regional coaching accolades, being selected Emory Club Coach of the Year in 2001 and Southeastern Coach of the Year in 2001, 2002, and 2003. In his last three seasons as head coach, he guided Emory to three straight top-15 appearances.

From Emory, Swingle accepted an assistant coaching job at Villanova, where in his lone season with the Wildcats he helped the team to its best finish in four years at the Eastern Championships, and first top-10 ranking as selected by the Collegiate Water Polo Association. Villanova went on to finish third at the MAAC Championships.

"We are very fortunate to have Rob step in and take over our water polo program," D'Argenio said. "His experience and energy will be valuable as we build our program. We are excited about the future of Siena water polo and confident the program is in good hands."

"It's obvious that Siena is committed to building a successful water polo program, and being on campus full-time, I look forward to the challenge of recruiting student athletes who can help bring us to the next level," Swingle said. "My coaching style uses complicated defenses to confuse opponents and simple offenses to allow for individual creativity. Defense and strong goalie play always come first in the teams I coach."