University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Hargis Adds Kristen Murslack to Pitt Swimming Staff
8/16/2019 4:00:00 PM | Swimming & Diving
PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh swimming & diving head coach John Hargis announced Friday the addition of Western Pennsylvania native and former Southeastern Conference swimming finalist Kristen Murslack to the program's swimming staff as an assistant coach.
Murslack, who swam for Auburn from 2013-17 and earned SEC Honor Roll accolades twice, most recently served as a graduate assistant for her alma mater's women's soccer program and also spent time as an intern with Auburn swimming & diving, one of the top programs in the SEC.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Kristen to the Panther family," said Hargis, who is entering his fourth season as Pitt's head coach. "I was lucky to coach Kristen for three years at Auburn and was able to see firsthand the drive, work ethic and determination that she possesses. She will be a role model for our student-athletes and will work extensively towards helping us achieve our goals for the program."
"I grew up swimming and competing at Trees Pool, so it's a dream come true to return to my hometown of Pittsburgh and become a coach for a growing program with tremendous potential in the ACC," Murslack said. "I would like to thank John, the entire athletic department and the rest of the coaching staff for this opportunity. I am thrilled to be joining the program and to work with the student-athletes and staff. I can't wait to be a part of the family. Hail to Pitt!"
A native of Gibsonia, Pa., and a graduate of nearby Pine-Richland, Murslack previously served as a coach for Pine-Richland Aquatics Club and at Pine-Richland High School in 2017 following her graduation from Auburn with a degree in education. During that time, she helped several athletes qualify for the WPIAL Championships at Trees Pool and the state championships on the high school and club levels.
Having swam for Hargis at Auburn, Murslack also has a familiarity with Pitt's program through her sister, Allison Murslack, who competed in swimming at Pitt from 2015-17 and was coached by Hargis as well.
In addition to the hiring of Murslack, Coach Hargis also announced promotions for the other two members of Pitt's swimming staff, Dr. Marc Christian and Justin Andrade.
Christian, who is entering his fourth season with Hargis at Pitt, already served as the program's director of operations and will now serve as the Panthers' associate head coach for women's swimming.
"Marc has been here with me from the go as my right-hand man," Hargis said of Christian. "He certainly deserves this promotion; he has earned it. On a day-to-day basis, he plays an essential role in the development of the program as an incredible coach and role model for our student-athletes."
Entering his second season in Pittsburgh, Andrade has been elevated to Pitt's associate head coach for men's swimming.
"Justin made a remarkable impact in his first year with our program," Hargis added of Andrade. "His experience as a head coach at Florida Tech is invaluable. His drive to help our sprint groups improve helped our athletes accomplish so much last season. We're appreciative of his efforts, and he certainly earned this promotion as well."
After a busy summer of international competition that saw Pitt swimmers and divers compete across the globe in some of the world's most prestigious meets, the Panthers will return to Pittsburgh soon for the fall semester and begin preparations for the highly anticipated 2019-20 campaign.
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Murslack, who swam for Auburn from 2013-17 and earned SEC Honor Roll accolades twice, most recently served as a graduate assistant for her alma mater's women's soccer program and also spent time as an intern with Auburn swimming & diving, one of the top programs in the SEC.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Kristen to the Panther family," said Hargis, who is entering his fourth season as Pitt's head coach. "I was lucky to coach Kristen for three years at Auburn and was able to see firsthand the drive, work ethic and determination that she possesses. She will be a role model for our student-athletes and will work extensively towards helping us achieve our goals for the program."
"I grew up swimming and competing at Trees Pool, so it's a dream come true to return to my hometown of Pittsburgh and become a coach for a growing program with tremendous potential in the ACC," Murslack said. "I would like to thank John, the entire athletic department and the rest of the coaching staff for this opportunity. I am thrilled to be joining the program and to work with the student-athletes and staff. I can't wait to be a part of the family. Hail to Pitt!"
A native of Gibsonia, Pa., and a graduate of nearby Pine-Richland, Murslack previously served as a coach for Pine-Richland Aquatics Club and at Pine-Richland High School in 2017 following her graduation from Auburn with a degree in education. During that time, she helped several athletes qualify for the WPIAL Championships at Trees Pool and the state championships on the high school and club levels.
Having swam for Hargis at Auburn, Murslack also has a familiarity with Pitt's program through her sister, Allison Murslack, who competed in swimming at Pitt from 2015-17 and was coached by Hargis as well.
In addition to the hiring of Murslack, Coach Hargis also announced promotions for the other two members of Pitt's swimming staff, Dr. Marc Christian and Justin Andrade.
Christian, who is entering his fourth season with Hargis at Pitt, already served as the program's director of operations and will now serve as the Panthers' associate head coach for women's swimming.
"Marc has been here with me from the go as my right-hand man," Hargis said of Christian. "He certainly deserves this promotion; he has earned it. On a day-to-day basis, he plays an essential role in the development of the program as an incredible coach and role model for our student-athletes."
Entering his second season in Pittsburgh, Andrade has been elevated to Pitt's associate head coach for men's swimming.
"Justin made a remarkable impact in his first year with our program," Hargis added of Andrade. "His experience as a head coach at Florida Tech is invaluable. His drive to help our sprint groups improve helped our athletes accomplish so much last season. We're appreciative of his efforts, and he certainly earned this promotion as well."
After a busy summer of international competition that saw Pitt swimmers and divers compete across the globe in some of the world's most prestigious meets, the Panthers will return to Pittsburgh soon for the fall semester and begin preparations for the highly anticipated 2019-20 campaign.
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