CSU Bakersfield Hires Shane Pelton as Director of Swimming and Diving
CSU Bakersfield this week announced the hiring of Shane Pelton as its new Director of Swimming and Diving.
Pelton has spent the last 10 years at Cal State East Bay leading its women’s swim team. Pelton was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Roadrunners during the 2015-16 season
Under his tutelage, the Pioneers won four conference titles, including two of the last three. He helped more than 30 Pioneers qualify for the NCAA Division II Championships and was named Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference Coach of the Year on five occasions.
“For me, this opportunity at Cal State Bakersfield ties my professional passion with my ability to be present for my family,” Pelton said in a press release. “My partner was born and raised in this community, and over the last decade I’ve grown to become a part of it as well. I’ve seen firsthand the pride, passion, and growth here, and I believe it’s a place with real potential. I also believe this program, the athletes, and the community need stability. Someone who’s going to be here, invest in it, and see it through. That’s what drives me. I see a program with real potential, and I’m excited to build something meaningful, shape its culture, and grow it into something people are proud to be part of!”
Ryan Brimer had been the interim director of swimming and diving since December. Chris Hansen retired at the end of last season, and Eric Bugby lasted less than six months on the job, hired last summer and departing last fall.
The Roadrunners’ women’s team went 0-5 this year and finished sixth out of seven teams in the Big West. The men’s team sent Vili Sivec to NCAAs, its first NCAA qualifier in 11 years, after a 5-0 record and a fifth-place finish out of six teams at the Big West Championships.
Pelton has 18 years of college coaching experience. He began his career at Arizona State and the University of Bridgeport.
“Shane brings over a decade of head coaching experience and a proven track record of building successful, competitive programs while fostering strong, meaningful relationships with his student-athletes,” said Dr. Sarah Tuohy, CSUB’s Acting Director of Athletics. “Having previously been part of the CSUB community, he understands what makes this place special and has a genuine passion for Bakersfield. He is deeply committed to connecting this program back to our community, and I am confident he will lead with integrity, energy, and purpose as we move forward.”