Smith College Director of Athletics Kristin Hughes announced the hiring of Devin Javens as the next head swim coach. Javens, who spent the last season as a graduate assistant coach with the Pioneers, is Smith’s fourth head coach in program history.
“We are very excited to have Devin as our next Head Swim Coach,” said Hughes. “Her undergraduate experience at one of the most competitive Division III Swim programs in the country along with her experience as one of our Graduate Assistant Coaches this past season has prepared her well to lead our student-athletes and take this program to the next level. She has demonstrated a work ethic, competitive mindset and drive which will make her very successful.”
Javens was an intern with Swimming World during her college career.
Prior to joining Smith as a graduate assistant coach in 2022, Javens was a star athlete of the Denison University women’s swim team, helping the Big Red to a third-place finish at the 2022 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships. In Denison’s 13th-straight trip to the podium, Javens competed in three events and helped the Big Red to a runner-up performance at the NCAC championship by earning All-Conference honors in the 200 breast.
“I am extremely excited to step into my new role as head swim coach at Smith College,” said Javens. “Smith offers many opportunities for success, and I truly believe that with this team, coaching staff, and Athletics Department we can allow our student-athletes to excel during their college careers and beyond. I am so grateful to be in a position to help these student-athletes grow in ways that will impact their lives beyond Smith. I would like to thank Kristin Hughes for giving me this opportunity and believing in me, as well as Gregg Parini and Joey Gracia for being amazing mentors and instilling in me decades worth of knowledge. I believe in the potential of this team and can’t wait to get started.”
Before the 2021-22 season, she served as the assistant coach of the Coronado Swim Association working with their elite team. Javens coached and prepared daily practices, assessed the technical and conditioning progress of all of the athletes, and coordinated the logistics of swim meets. Prior to that, Javens was an assistant coach of Kraken Swimming, primarily working with beginner-level swimmers.
Javens graduated from Denison University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies and English Literature.
Denison University Head Coach Greg Parini
“I had the good fortune of coaching Devin through her time at Denison and came to know her as a young woman with great integrity, a strong work ethic, unbounded curiosity, and sincere empathy. She brings these same qualities to her coaching and Smith College and its student-athletes will be the beneficiaries of her good work. I look forward to following her team’s growth and success under her leadership.”
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with Smith Athletics. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.