Posted: Feb 23, 2012
Bachman Named ASC Coach-of-the-Year
Brenau University's Head Swim Coach, Blaire Bachman, had double the reason to celebrate last weekend at the Appalachian Swimming Conference Championship. In addition to leading the team to its' highest finish in the program's history, Coach Bachman also received the award for Appalachian Swimming Conference Coach of the Year for the 2011/12 season!
Coach Bachman was hired as the Head Swim Coach in 2010 - naming her the nation's youngest head swim coach at the time. However, she wasted no time proving her youth had no effect on her ability to coach at the level of more experienced coaches in the conference. From the moment she started, she has inspired and challenged her team to be the best swimmers they can be. Through her training methods and recruiting efforts, she has taken the program to a new level - pushing her swimmers to refine their skills and improve their times. She has recruited competitive swimmers and continuously encourages the team to meet their goals, beat their personal best times, and break records.
The Golden Tigers finished a program best of 6th place at the Appalachian Conference Championships this year with the team reaching the podium a total of eight times. Brenau broke 5 school records, 11 personal best times, and 2 conference records at the meet. Bachman has instilled strength, character, competitiveness, and determination into all of her swimmers, which they not only take into every practice and competition, but also into everyday life. Now adding ASC "Coach of the Year" to her accolades, she is being recognized by others for the great asset she is to the Brenau swim program and university.
Proud Athletic Director, Mike Lochstampfor added, "Coach Bachman has done a tremendous job of elevating the stature of our swim program both regionally and nationally. This award is a reflection of her hard work and determination to make our program one that is consistent with the philosophy and ideals of our university. I'm extremely proud of her accomplishments and those of our swim team! "