Nine-Time NCAA Champion Lara Jackson Returns to Arizona as Assistant Coach

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Photo Courtesy: Nike Swim Camps

Nine-Time NCAA Champion Lara Jackson Returns to Arizona as Assistant Coach

Nine-time NCAA champion Lara Jackson has returned to her alma mater, the University of Arizona, as an assistant coach.

Jackson is one of the most decorated swimmers in Wildcats history. She won nine national titles – two individual, seven relay – and was a 14-time All-American. Her career in Tucson the Wildcats’ 2008 NCAA title. She earned the Ruby Award as Arizona’s most outstanding female student-athlete in 2009. She still holds the program record in the 50 freestyle (21.27 seconds) and owned a pair of American records in the 50-yard and 50-meter long-course freestyle.

“This position with the University of Arizona Swimming & Diving program is a dream come true,” Jackson said in a team statement. “Tucson is such a special place, and even in the decade I’ve spent elsewhere since graduating I have always remained a Wildcat in my heart, a Wildcat for life. I am so grateful for this opportunity coach (Augie) Busch has given me to be part of this program’s future. I couldn’t be more excited to be here and I am ready for the long haul with Arizona. This is my city, my University, and my team.”

Jackson would go on to win gold at the 2011 Pan Am Games. She was a regular on the U.S. national team.

The El Paso, Texas, native began her coaching career abroad in France at Vichy Val d’Allier Natation, as the head senior coach and strength and conditioning coach, helping several swimmers qualify for the French national meet. She was an assistant for two seasons with Florida Gulf Coast from 2019-21.

“I am so excited to welcome Lara to our staff. She is a proud, engaged alum whose passion and love for this program are second to none,” Arizona coach Augie Busch said. “The added emotional attachment she has to Arizona Swimming & Diving is very exciting and I can’t wait to see how that not only motivates her but rubs off on everyone who is part of our team. She is an excellent coach and made a significant impact in a short period of time at FGCU. As an athlete, what separated her from even the greats was a next-level attention to detail. That same focus, combined with her unique and caring communication style, are central to her effectiveness a coach. Arizona Swimming & Diving just got a lot better with Lara coming aboard.”

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