Sept. 7, 2011
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Ben Davis has been announced as an assistant coach for the Kentucky swimming and diving team, head coach Gary Conelly announced Wednesday.
“Ben Davis is a great addition to our staff.” Conelly said. “He learned his swimming `chops’ from Don Gambril, one of swimming’s greats.”
Davis graduated from the University of Alabama in 1982 with a bachelor of arts degree in public relations. He served as the assistant aquatic director for the Crimson Tide from 1981-82, as well as serving as an assistant coach for the Alabama swimming and diving team from 1978-82.
“Ben’s coaching style is a perfect fit for our staff and team.” Conelly said. “He will be a real asset on the deck, helping us to get more of our swimmers to the NCAA Championships. He pretty much knows everyone in the swimming world which will add more punch to recruiting throughout the US and the rest of the world.”
Davis has coached two Olympians, one of which was a gold medalist. He has also worked with 10 USA National team members, 23 USA Olympic Trial Qualifiers, more than 50 USA National qualifiers, and an impressive 80 USA Junior National Qualifiers.
“Being a born and raised Kentuckian, it is a great opportunity to come home and coach for UK,” Davis said. “Being able to join this staff and coach these athletes is a chance that could not be missed.”
Davis had the honor of serving as the head coach for the USA Swimming Junior National Team in 1991. In 1993, he was tabbed as the head coach for USA Swimming for the World University Games. He also served as the head coach for the Turkish Olympic team in the 1996 Olympic Games that were held in Atlanta, Ga.
He has also served as the head coach and director of many swimming clubs including High Point Swim Club, Tualatin Hills Swim Club and the Birmingham Swim League.
Most recently, Davis served as the head coach and director of Wildcat Aquatics, a private swimming club located in Lexington, Ky.
As always, UKAthletics.com will have the most updated news and information. You can also access UK Swimming and Diving news via facebook.com, and follow UK head coach Gary Conelly on Twitter at @UKCoachConelly.
