Kristen Murslack - Swimming & Diving Coach

Kristen Murslack

Title:
Assistant Swimming Coach
Email:
kmurslack@athletics.pitt.edu

Western Pennsylvania native Kristen Murslack is in her second season as an assistant swimming coach at the University of Pittsburgh after head coach John Hargis added her to the staff in August 2019.

While coaching Pitt’s individual medley and butterfly swimmers, along with helping Hargis tutor the middle-distance group, Murslack’s addition to the program coincided with a year of historic improvement for the Panthers in the pool.

Along with several school records being broken throughout the season, the 2019-20 campaign resulted in Pitt posting a men’s program-best 520 team points in Greensboro at the ACC Championships, while the women’s team improved by 25 team points at the conference meet and defeated rival West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl dual meet for the eighth straight year.

Individually, swimmer Blaise Vera earned CSCAA All-America honors at the end of the campaign, while Murslack directly contributed to personal-best times posted by several Panthers, including ACC championship finalists Samy Helmbacher and Eben Vorster, consolation finalists Valerie Daigneault and Madelyn Shaffer, as well as impressive freshmen Daisy Anderson and Kayla Graham.

In addition to her coaching duties, Murslack also serves as Pitt’s primary contact for women’s recruiting.

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.

While competing at Auburn, with Hargis as an assistant coach, Murslack served as a team captain and qualified for finals at the SEC Championships in four consecutive seasons, while helping the Tigers post a top-15 team finish at the NCAA Championships.

"We were extremely excited to welcome Kristen to the Panther family," said Hargis of Murslack’s hiring. "I was lucky to coach Kristen for three years at Auburn and was able to witness firsthand the drive, work ethic and determination that she possesses. She is a role model for our student-athletes and works 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 work with these student-athletes and this staff. 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.

Murslack also earned a master’s degree from Auburn in higher education administration in 2019.

A current resident of Shadyside in Pittsburgh, Kristen also has a familiarity with Pitt's program through her sister, Allison Murslack, who swam at Pitt from 2015-17 and was also coached by Hargis.

Beyond the Bio
Favorite Sports Moment at Pitt
Watching Pitt beat undefeated No. 15 UCF with a trick play touchdown in the final minute of the game. I remember having goosebumps and screaming at the top of my lungs with my colleagues. It was a great day to be a Pitt Panther!

Favorite Part of Working for Pitt Athletics
The people. I love walking down to the Petersen Events Center and saying hello to coworkers who I don’t see often. I enjoy working in the same building with other coaches as well; it develops a strong dynamic in our athletic department. Each member works tirelessly to ensure our student-athletes receive the best education while accomplishing everything they imagined athletically. I love this place!

Favorite Thing to Do in the City of Pittsburgh
Born and raised just north of the city, I have always enjoyed going to sporting events, such as the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. Sports has a special way of bringing a community together, and what better place than the city of Pittsburgh?!

Hobbies Outside of Work
I enjoy playing sports a lot. I joined PSL (Pittsburgh Sports League) and have been playing soccer, flag football and kickball. Although I get way too competitive, it’s been an amazing opportunity to meet new people and do the things I love most.