Swimming & Diving Adds Bretscher as Assistant Coach

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall swimming & diving head coach Ian Walsh announced the hiring of James Bretscher as an assistant coach on Wednesday.

"I am thrilled to become a part of the Marshall family," Bretscher said. "I look forward to joining the Thundering Herd family as we write this next chapter of success."

"I'm thrilled to welcome James to the Marshall family here in Huntington," Walsh said. "Early on in the process, it was clear that his values and core principles aligned with what we as a program stand for. In James' time as a student-athlete and coach, he has had many unique experiences that he has been able to use through his young coaching career. These winning experiences will be invaluable as he has been part of the sport as a student-athlete and coach at the highest levels. Our staff and student-athletes couldn't be more excited to welcome James in this new role here at Marshall."

Bretscher joins the Herd after spending two years at North Carolina State as a volunteer coach and assistant coach for Wolfpack Elite.

"Coach Walsh has built a firm foundation and culture for success in a short period of time as head coach," Bretscher said. "I am honored to have been selected to collaborate with Ian to produce great success in the classroom and pool in the coming years. The future is bright for the Thundering Herd."

During Bretscher's time with NC State, he collaborated with the staff to help instruct, encourage and administer workouts for the collegiate and postgraduate swimmers. Bretscher played a supporting role in helping NC State win six individual NCAA swimming titles (Coleman Stewart, Katherine Berkoff, 2x Sophie Hansson and 2x Andreas Vazios) along with multiple NCAA relay Top 8 finishes.

Bretscher also worked with the Wolfpack Elite members and managed practices for the professionals and postgraduate swimmers. He attended national and internationals competitions helping coach individual group members. As the assistant coach he attended a month long training camp with US National Team Member Jack Saunderson, working together with NC State's Head Coach Braden Holloway.

Following high school, Bretscher attended North Carolina State University from 2015-2019. He was a three-time All-ACC Academic Team, two-time NCAA qualifier and an NCAA All-American his senior year in the 200 Butterfly. Bretscher's junior year he was the recipient of the Brickyard Award, which is given to a swimmer who exhibited the most improvement that season. His final year with NC State he was honored with the "Heart of the Pack" award which is given by the NC State Athletic Department who have demonstrated four key characteristics: Teammates, Effort, Attitude, Mindfulness. He also received the "Diamond Award" which recognizes a swimmer who exhibits leadership, team commitment and work ethic.

Bretscher earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and minor in Graphic Communications from North Carolina State in May 2020.

For all the latest information about Marshall swimming & diving, follow @HerdSwimDive on Twitter and @herdswimdive on Instagram.

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Swimming & Diving Adds Bretscher as Assistant Coach

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