Miami Ohio Hires Samantha Pitter as Head Coach
Samantha Pitter is the new coach of Miami Ohio, coming over from the University of Pittsburgh to replace Hollie Bonewit-Cron.
Bonewit-Cron in May was hired for the head job at Penn State, and the RedHawks have drawn upon another Pennsylvania school for her replacement. Pitter was an associate head coach for the Panthers for the last two seasons.
“I am beyond excited for this opportunity. I want to thank Jennie Gilbert and David Sayler for their commitment to finding a great leader for the Miami Swimming & Diving programs. The history and tradition of excellence in the athletics department is evident, and the Swimming & Diving program has a strong foundation of success,” Pitter said in a university statement. “The amazing balance of high-level academics and championship-level athletic programs will continue to draw in outstanding student-athletes. I look forward to leading Miami forward and reaching new heights! Go RedHawks!”
Pitter helped 25 Panthers qualify for NCAAs, including a program-high for the men in 2023. The men’s team finished seventh at the ACC Championships in both 2023 and 2024, the latter leading to its second-highest NCAA finish ever of 24th place. The women’s team improved its tally from ACCs by 100 points from 2023 to 2024.
Pitter spent eight seasons at Havard, the last four as the associate head coach for the men’s team. Among her pupils was two-time NCAA champion Dean Farris. The Crimson three times finished in the top 25 at NCAAs under her watch, twice were in the top 15 and won five straight Ivy League titles.
Before Harvard, Pitter was an assistant coach for four seasons and acting head coach for one at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Engineers were third at the men’s NCAA Division III Championships in her season as head coach and eighth at women’s NCAAs, the program’s best NCAA finishes. It included three event wins and an NCAA record.
In addition to her role in Oxford, Pitter will serve as an assistant coach for the Cape Verde Olympic team at the Paris Olympics this summer.
“We are delighted to bring Samantha Pitter to Miami to lead our men’s & women’s swimming & diving programs,” Miami sport administrator Jennie Gilbert said. “Her strategic approach to team dynamics, her coaching philosophy, communication style and her values will help ensure the success of and support for our student-athletes, both in and out of the water.”
Pitter swam at Hamilton College, a four-time All-American and team captain there. She earned her degree in 2007 and added a master’s of education from Boston University in 2011.
Congratulations, Sam!