Julianne (Kurke) Lehner will step in as interim head coach for 2019-20 after serving as assistant coach last season. Rollins Director of Athletics Pennie Parker has announced the resignation of Kyle Berg as head coach of the Tars men’s and women’s swimming programs.
“Coach Berg has elevated Rollins swimming to new heights during his tenure and leaves the program in great position for continued success,” said Parker. “I would like to personally thank Kyle for his service to Rollins, and for the tireless work and dedication that he has put into building a respected program. We wish him and his family nothing but the best as they move on to this next chapter.”
Berg has set a new standard for success within the Tars swimming program. Under his leadership, Rollins set 30 school records (15 men, 15 women) and established program bests for points scored at the Sunshine State Conference Championship. He sent six different swimmers to the NCAA Division II National Championships, including four this past season- the most at a single championship in school history.
“I want to thank the student-athletes, President Cornwell, Nate Weyant, and Pennie Parker for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the Rollins Swimming program,” said Berg. “Julianne Lehner has established herself as a phenomenal coach, leader, and advocate for the student-athletes; I cannot wait to see the success that she will have with this program.”
Lehner will take over as the interim head coach after serving as Berg’s top assistant last season. She swam for Berg at Northwestern where she was twice named team captain and a two-time Academic All-B1G selection. Lehner qualified for the USA Olympic Trials in 2012 and 2016.
After graduating in 2016, she led the Rivermist Swim Team in Atlanta for two seasons, developing more than 150 youth swimmers. Lehner is a graduate of the 2019 NCAA Women Coaches Academy class #48 that was held in Denver this past spring.
“Kyle has put a tremendous amount of work into our swim program over the past three years, and I am incredibly thankful for his leadership,” added Julianne Lehner “With the legacy he has built, the stage is set for our athletes to achieve their full potential both in and out of the pool. It is an honor and privilege to be stepping into his position for the start of this season. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all of our student athletes, and am now thrilled to use my experience to lead this team in a new direction as we continue down the road to success.”
The Tars will start the 2019-20 season on September 28, hosting the annual Intersquad and Alumni meet. The regular season gets underway the following week with Rollins welcoming Sunshine State Conference rival Nova Southeastern to the Alfond Pool on Friday, October 4.
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with Rollins College Athletics. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com
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