The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) has announced a bold new direction for the organization that will emphasize inclusion, unity and empowerment for swim coaches throughout the United States and the world. The re-focus of the “new ASCA” will include expanded membership services, more coaches clinics, a reformatting of certification courses and support to new coaches entering the profession.
To spearhead the change, ASCA has named former collegiate All-American swimmer Jennifer LaMont as its next Chief Executive Officer. She is a seasoned and successful leader with 30 years of experience heading member driven advocacy organizations and will be the first female to hold the position in the history of ASCA. She will begin in her new position on April 21, 2021.LaMont’s swimming career included the Cincinnati Marlins and the University of Southern California, where she achieved All-American status in the 500 free. She also represented Walnut Hills High School when capturing three Ohio state titles and state records. She was a 2018 inductee in the Cincinnati Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame.
LaMont brings to ASCA vast experience leading advocacy organizations. Most notably, for the past 17 years she has served as Chief of Staff for the Broward Teachers Union, the United Teachers of Dade, and for the union for nurses and doctors at Jackson Health System in Miami, SEIU. Prior to that she served in communications, organizational development and public relations roles for the United Teachers of Dade.
“We couldn’t be more excited to announce Jennifer as our new CEO,” said Mike Koleber, the President of the ASCA Board of Directors and Head Coach/Owner at Nitro Swimming in Austin, Texas.
“Our Board is looking to take ASCA in a new and exciting direction, and Jennifer brings so many skills that will help us do that. She has a deep devotion to the sport of swimming and her enthusiasm is contagious.”- Mike Koleber
Cal Berkeley head women’s swimming coach Teri McKeever, a former USC teammate of LaMont’s (formerly Johnston), and first and only woman to serve as the head coach of a U.S. women’s national swim team at the Olympics, offered support for her appointment:
“I have to say I was pleasantly surprised to see ASCA name Jennifer as CEO. I believe this shows a desire by the board to move the organization in a new and positive direction. I look forward to supporting Jennifer in her new role.”- Teri McKeever
“I am so incredibly honored to be able to contribute to the success of swimming coaches and to the sport that made me who I am,” said LaMont. “The positive impact coaches have on the lives of athletes and budding athletes is immeasurable. I can’t wait to apply my years of experience to unite, support and empower coaches and promote the sport of swimming.”
LaMont’s former coaches include ASCA Hall of Fame inductees Dennis Pursley, Frank Busch, Skip Kenney, Jay Fitzgerald and Don LaMont.
Dennis Pursley, retired Head Swimming Coach at the University of Alabama, commented on LaMont’s new role:
“Jennifer was a determined, hard-working and highly committed swimmer on our Cincinnati Marlins 1980 national championship team. She has clearly applied those attributes to her highly successful professional career. Her leadership, networking and organizational skills will be great assets for the American Swimming Coaches Association. ASCA can look forward to a bright future with her at the helm.”- Dennis Pursley
Sports is a common theme in LaMont’s household. Son Drake is a Graduate Assistant at Texas Tech University pursuing a basketball coaching career after being a two-time captain on the Western Michigan basketball team, and son Drew was an all-conference basketball player at Indian River State College. She also calls TJ Slaton a “son.” He is a young man who has lived with the LaMont family since ninth grade, played football at the University of Florida, and is now eligible for the 2021 NFL draft. Husband Dave LaMont is a veteran sportscaster who has appeared on ABC, ESPN and FOX Sports, among other networks.
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with ASCA. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.
