WASHINGTON – The head coach of American University's men's and women's swimming & diving programs, Garland Bartlett, will continue on with the Eagles through 2027 after agreeing to a three-year contract extension from departing Director of Athletics & Recreation Dr. Billy Walker.
 
"Since her promotion to head coach three years ago, Garland has proven to be a tremendous leader for the swimming and diving programs," said Walker. "Her recruiting efforts have drastically strengthened the size and depth of both teams, and the inclusive culture she has fostered has led to impressive success both in and out of the pool. Her programs are consistently recognized for their academic achievements and support of the athletics department as a whole -- a testament to her ability to attract and retain student-athletes with exceptionally high character."
 
Bartlett was promoted to head coach in June, 2021, following five years as an assistant coach and two months as interim head coach. Her recruiting prowess became evident even before her promotion as she began building the size and talent of both squads.
 
Her top recruit, Mimi Watts, has earned a total of nine Patriot League medals over the past three seasons including five golds. Watts, who has one season of eligibility remaining and will use it as a graduate student in 2024-25, was named the Patriot League's Swimmer of the Year on the women's side in 2023.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue leading American Swimming & Diving," said Bartlett. "I'd like to thank Dr. Walker, President Sylvia Burwell, and Associate AD Jocelyn Hill for this contract extension and their continual support of the program.
 
"I'm so proud of what this team has accomplished both in and out of the pool the last three years. The successes we've had wouldn't be possible without buy-in from the student-athletes, the efforts from my incredible staff, and support from our parents and alumni. The future is looking very bright for the program, and I can't wait to keep our upward momentum going!"
 
Of the 38 total swimming school records for both the men's and women's teams, 15 have been set during Bartlett's tenure as head coach including 10 for the women.
 
For the last three years in a row, the top team GPA awards in AU Athletics for both the men and the women have been earned by the swim & dive teams. The programs have traditionally excelled academically and have now both been named Scholar All-America Teams by the CSCAA for 58 semesters in a row.
 
In addition to nurturing a culture that has her student-athletes succeeding in the pool and in the classroom, Bartlett's program has won the Eagle Spirit Award in both years it has been given. The teams are frequently seen in the bleachers and on the sidelines of athletics events, supporting their fellow student-athletes. Recent graduate Aldrich Elvambuena served as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President for the past two years, and the teams both participate heavily in community service opportunities.

For more information on AU swim and dive, follow the team on Twitter (@AU_SwimDive), Facebook (@AU.SwimDive) and Instagram (@au_swim_dive).