Head Swim Coach Mike Anderson
Head Coach Mike Anderson begins his first season with the University of Hawai'i swimming and diving program. He takes over former Coach Sam Freas' program after his retirement last November and last season's acting head coach Bruce Kennard.
"I am proud and honored that the Hawai'i family has invited me to be part of the tradition here at UH," said Anderson. "The University of Hawai'i is a respected name, not only in the U.S., but around the Pacific Rim."
Anderson brings an extensive history in both coaching and swimming which he is eager to share with Hawai'i.
"The last three years has seen a phenomenal improvement in Hawai'i swimming and diving. Ex-coaches Sam Freas and Bruce Kennard and their staff have done an outstanding job in a short amount of time and my hat is off to them," said Anderson. "My goal is to improve on last year's results and move forward to make our team competitive with anyone in the country."
Coach Anderson's first goal is to win the conference titles and finish the season ranked among the nation's elite teams. "We have good, talented student-athletes, who are willing to work hard both in the classroom and in the pool. Our administration supports our efforts. Hugh (Yoshida) and Marilyn (Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano) have shown faith in my ability to get the job done."
Assistant Athletics Director Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano said, "Coach Anderson's ability to recruit is phenomenal. He is extremely knowledgeable about swimming, very organized, and inspiring to his swimmers. We are very pleased to have someone of his caliber heading our program. I envision our program to be in the Top 20 and this coach will do the job for Hawai'i swimming."
Anderson served as Associate Head Coach for the men's and women's teams at the University of Alabama since May 1999 in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference. During this time, the Crimson Tide advanced to its first winning season since 1997. Under Anderson's guidance, the team went from two to 11 swimmers qualifying for the NCAA Championships. The women placed 16th in the NCAA within one year.
Previous to his career with the Tide, Anderson coached the women's swimming and diving team at the University of Nevada for a decade. At Nevada, the team held a record of 105-21 and took five Big West Conference championships. Swimming World magazine ranked the Wolf Pack 10th in 1999. Anderson was honored Big West Coach-of-the-Year from 1996-99. Nevada received its highest NCAA ranking under Anderson's coaching, placing 17th in 1998 and 14th in 1999.
Among his other accomplishments is the development and coaching of NCAA Champions, NCAA record holders, an American record holder, and several Olympians, including medalists, in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 games.
"I have family in the Marshall Islands and the West Coast," said Anderson, a San Francisco native. "UH is an excellent institution with super people. My family and I are excited to be here."
Anderson has made his new home in Hawai'i with his wife, Gaylene, and two sons Tanner and Bowen.