Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Hires Phoebe Campbell As New Herd Swim & Dive Head Coach
6/18/2026 10:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Campbell comes to Herd from Akron where she helped lead the Zips to a MAC title
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald J. Harrison announced the hiring of Phoebe Campbell as Marshall's new Swim & Dive Head Coach on Thursday.
"Today is another great day to run with The Herd as we proudly welcome Phoebe Campbell to Marshall University as the next Head Swimming and Diving Coach," Harrison said. "Throughout our national search, we were intentional about identifying a coach who embodies the values of our Herd Mentality - someone who puts student-athletes first, builds meaningful relationships, recruits relentlessly, and competes with integrity. We weren't looking for the next coach; we were looking for the right coach, and we believe Phoebe Campbell is exactly that."
Campbell will be introduced at a press conference at 11 a.m. on June 30 in the Dutch Miller Deck at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
"I want to thank Athletic Director Gerald Harrison and President Brad Smith for believing in my ability to lead the Women's Swimming and Diving team," Campbell said. "I am committed to adding to the rich history of Marshall University and the excellence of the student-athletes. I am humbled and excited by this amazing opportunity to work with people so committed to the success and well-being of their student-athletes. The tight-knit community that Marshall is known for makes this an easy place to call home."
Campbell brings extensive experience to Marshall Swim & Dive, most recently serving as assistant coach at Akron where she led recruiting efforts, supported team operations and helped the program secure its fifth consecutive Mid-American Conference title.
She also has experience at New Mexico, Texas A&M and Vassar College, and has also coached for multiple competitive club programs, serving in the development of elite swimmers within the sport at the NCAA, national and international levels.
All these opportunities have prepared Campbell for her first head coaching job with the Herd.
"Additionally, I would like to acknowledge all of the positive influences and mentors I have had over the years who have given me the opportunities to grow in this profession," Campbell said. "I would like to thank Brian Peresie (Akron), Naya Higashijima (UNM), Jay Holmes (Arizona/Texas A&M), and Lisa Prater-Lee (Vassar College). Sharing the pool deck and learning from these fantastic coaches has given me the knowledge and skills necessary to lead this program with confidence and integrity."
Harrison said Campbell's experience combined with her passion to make her a perfect candidate to lead the Herd forward.
"Phoebe brings a diverse background and experience from multiple levels of collegiate athletics, along with an outstanding reputation as a recruiter, organizer, and relationship builder," Harrison said. "Her energy, passion, temperament, and leadership style make her the right coach to lead Marshall Swimming and Diving into an exciting new era. She has a clear vision for developing champions in the pool, in the classroom, and in our community, and we are excited to watch her build upon the strong foundation of this program."
Campbell's efforts as a collegiate coach earned her several accolades during her career as an assistant coach. She was a CSCAA Coaches Academy member in 2025 and was also recognized as an ASCA '30-under-30' Award Winner in 2023.
Prior to her coaching career, Campbell was a team captain and standout swimmer at Henderson State University.
"Marshall Swimming and Diving has a bright future, and I am confident Phoebe is the right person to lead it. We are thrilled to welcome Phoebe to Huntington and to the Marshall family as we continue pursuing our vision of becoming one of the most complete athletics departments in the country. I know Herd Nation will join me in welcoming Coach Campbell as we write the next chapter of Marshall Swimming and Diving together. Go Herd!"
What They're Saying About Phoebe Campbell
"Phoebe has been a tremendous part of our program, and I could not be more excited for her as she takes this next step in her coaching career. She has a strong coaching mind, a great ability to build relationships, and a sincere commitment to helping student-athletes become the best version of themselves. Marshall is getting a high-character leader who will bring energy, purpose, and care to the program every day."
- Brian Peresie, Akron Swim & Dive Head Coach
"Phoebe spent several seasons with us - first with our summer camp, then later as one of our coaches. The thing I appreciate the most about her is her willingness to step into the fire with a smile and 'can do' attitude, every day of the week. The fire is a hard place to be in. She would plunge in those places for us. I'm real proud of her and this opportunity she has in leading the program at Marshall. I'm now a fan of Marshall Swimming & Diving and will be following the Herd!"
- Jay Holmes, Arizona Swim & Dive Head Coach
"I am thrilled that Marshall University has chosen Phoebe Campbell to lead its swimming and diving program. She is an outstanding leader whose loyalty, compassion, and dedication have had a tremendous impact on our athletes at the University of New Mexico. Throughout her time with our program, Phoebe played a vital role in the continued growth and success. Her experiences at Akron, New Mexico, Texas A&M, and Ball State have prepared her exceptionally well for this head coaching opportunity. What sets Phoebe apart is her genuine ability to build meaningful relationships with her student-athletes while understanding the challenges they face both in and out of the pool. Her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to developing well-rounded young women will help them excel not only in competition but also in life beyond college athletics. Congratulations to the Thundering Herd for selecting an amazing woman to guide their women's swimming and diving program into this exciting new chapter. I am looking forward to seeing the continued success Phoebe will bring to the program."
- Naya Higashijima, University of New Mexico Swim & Dive Head Coach
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