The La Salle University Swimming and Diving Program is excited to announce that American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Hall of Famer and United States Olympic Coach Frank Keefe has agreed to join the program as an assistant coach. Frank brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to La Salle and will be a great benefit for the entire program.
“There are very few, if any, coaches whom possess Frank’s knowledge, experience, and love for coaching,” said La Salle Head Coach Jamie Platt, “So when he told me he wants to work with our staff and our swimmers, I didn’t hesitate. It’s rare to have a true swimming legend join your swimming program, but I’m proud to say we have one now in Frank Keefe.”
Photo Courtesy: Swimming World Archive
Keefe is a 1960 graduate of Villanova. He’s a member of both the Villanova Athletics Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Aquatic Hall of Fame. A native of East Haven, Conn., Keefe began his 32-year coaching career at Yale University in 1978. In 2001, the Ivy League named the annual women’s swimming championship trophy in his honor. Three years later, he was named to the ASCA Hall of Fame.
Keefe, who earned a 2009 American Swimming Coaches Association Award of Excellence, is a two-time Eastern Intercollegiate Swimming League Coach of the Year. During his tenure at Yale, he guided the women’s team to five Ivy League championships and the men’s team to one. His women’s teams had undefeated seasons in 1992-93 and 1996-97. He finished his Yale coaching career in 2009 with 488 wins combined between men’s and women’s teams.
“I still have the passion to work with coaches and athletes dedicated to reaching their potential,” said Keefe. “It also helps keep me active, so it’s a plus plus. Needless to say, half of La Salle’s colors are BLUE!”
Since retiring from Yale, Keefe has coached at Villanova, Swathmore, the Shipley School.
In addition to a successful collegiate background, Keefe boasts an extensive coaching career in the international ranks. He served as an assistant coach for the 1984 United States Olympic team at Los Angeles and was the head manager for the 1988 Olympic team at Seoul. He also served as the U.S. coach for the 1975 and 1979 Pan American Games and as an assistant coach at the 1978 World Championships.
Keefe coached nine Olympic swimmers including gold medalist Carl Robie, silver medalist Tim McKee; and George Gleason and Stephen Fahy from the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
Press release courtesy of La Salle University.
Congrats, Frank and La Salle!