Shana Erickson expands role with Swimming & Diving
St. Catherine University Athletic Director Eric Stacey announced that Shana Erickson has been named the Head Coach of the swimming & diving program. Erickson will be entering her sixth season with the Wildcats program, after serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the past five seasons.
Before joining the St. Kate's program, Erickson coached for several years at the collegiate and club level in Minnesota and Colorado. A 2001 graduate of Concordia College, Erickson is a two-time All-American and a five-time MIAC champion. Erickson remains an active competitor, competing in road races and triathlons, completing an Ironman triathlon in 2005.
Erickson takes the reins from Nicole Hempler, who will remain with the team as the Associate Head Coach. Hempler was at the helm of the WIldcat's swimming & diving program for eight seasons, guiding the team to their highest ever MIAC placing in 2009-10. Hempler was named MIAC Coach of the Year in 2008-09 after the Wildcats set eight school records and posted three national list performances during the MIAC meet.
The move allows Hempler to expand her administrative role within the athletic department where she also serves as the Assistant Director of the Butler Center. Athletic Director Eric Stacey said of the move, "This shift allows us to have two passionate leaders associated with our swimming and diving program. Shana will bring a great energy to her new role and I am confident that she will build on the team's recent success."