Marian Clark - Swimming & Diving Coach

Marian Clark

Title:
Director of Athletic Travel
Email:
mclark@athletics.pitt.edu
Phone:
412-849-5921

Marian Clark began her professional career in the Pitt Athletic Department in 1993 as the head women’s swimming coach. After nine years, she transitioned into the director of operations role for both the men’s and women’s teams and began coaching both genders. In 2016, she was named Pitt’s director of athletic travel and also serves as an Anthony Travel account manager for the Athletic Department.

Clark was an assistant coach at both Florida State University and University of Miami before returning to her alma mater as head coach. She saw much success from her coaching career including Big East and ECAC Championships and multiple NCAA All-Americans. During her 23 season Pitt tenure, 25 different swimmers’ and divers’ names were engraved on Athletic Department Walk of Fame. Every year, Clark’s teams achieved Academic All-American status. In each of her last four season as coach, Clark’s distance swimmers were Pitt’s representatives at the NCAA Championships. In 2014, Clark was named a Pitt Varsity Letter Club Awardee of Distinction for having distinguished herself in her profession and subsequently enhanced the value of the intercollegiate athletic program at the University of Pittsburgh.

The Wilmington, Del., native was also a standout student-athlete for Pitt. She was a University Provost Scholar, graduated Cum Laude and was awarded the Big East Conference Post Graduate Scholarship. Clark was an NCAA qualifier, a ten time Big East Champion and a major contributor to four consecutive Big East Team Championships. After graduation, she continued her swimming career on the professional level. Clark was ranked number one in the US and number two in the world for FINA’s Inaugural Open Water World Series. She held a World Record for 12 years in the Capri to Naples 21 Mile Swim and has been inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. Clark’s appreciation for the rewards and benefits intercollegiate athletics can provide for its participants has been a guiding factor throughout her decades of service to the University of Pittsburgh.

Clark resides in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh with her husband, Todd, two daughters, Maiti and Mara and son, Mac.

Beyond the Bio
Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?
I absolutely love Pitt’s Tree’s Pool. Dr. Carl Peterson, a legendary physical education professor and coach for Pitt, was instrumental in the design of Trees Pool. His incredible vision has made Trees Pool a relevant and dynamic facility since its opening in 1962.

Favorite Pitt sports moments?
As an athlete, I would have to say our 1986 win against Penn State in State College which came down to the last relay. As a fan, I would say Jerome Lane’s smashing of the backboard in the Fieldhouse in January of 1988. As a coach, I would say beating my big brother, former Head Coach of the University of Miami in a dual meet in the fall of 1994.

What do you love most about the University of Pittsburgh?
Undoubtedly, I love the people. While Pitt is a beautiful and vibrant campus, it is the people who make this University great. The culture is perfect for learning and growth which is exactly what you need for success.

What do you love most about working in athletics?
I really enjoy witnessing the development of the student-athletes over the course of their education. The life lessons that can be learned from athletics are invaluable and long lasting. I am always proud to see fellow Pitt Panther Student-Athletes graduate and represent our great program out in the world.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
Definitely, it is Bruce Springsteen. Whether he is playing the cozy Pitt venue of Soldiers and Sailors or rocking in the PPG Arena, I always try to find the time to take in some of his shows.