Liz Klink, formerly an assistant coach at Florida State University, is entering her third season as part of the Penn State swimming and diving program in 2010-11.
[quote]Liz is one of the top swimming recruiters in the nation,[quote] said head coach John Hargis. [quote]She brings a wealth of knowledge with her and, being from New Jersey, is well-acquainted with Mid Atlantic aquatics.[quote]
In her first season at Penn State, Klink helped lead both Lion squads to strong seasons. The women finished 38th at the NCAA Championships while the men were 32nd. Also, seven Nittany Lions (Kaitlin O[apos]Brien, Kelly Nelson, Vincent Reydams, Patrick Schirk, Jason Goldner, Basil Kaaki, and Brian Alden) garnered honorable mention All-American status, Nelson in two events.
During her tenure at Florida State, Klink coordinated all recruiting, administered the middle-distance training group, organized equipment orders through Nike and tracked the progress of incoming swimmers. She coached the women[apos]s swimming team to an Atlantic Coast Conference championship in 2005-06 and the men[apos]s squad to an ACC title in 2006-07. Klink also oversaw four Seminole swimmers who were named NCAA All-Americans, including South African Romy Altmann, who placed seventh in the 200 backstroke at the 2007 NCAA Championships.
Klink previously worked at Virginia Tech as an assistant swim coach from August, 2002 through June, 2004. She coordinated all recruiting, oversaw practice groups, organized all travel logistics and managed meet entries.
[quote]Liz communicates well with the athletes,[quote] said Hargis. [quote]She coaches and interacts with a passion for swimming.[quote]
A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Klink earned her bachelor[apos]s degree in elementary education and math in 2001 and obtained her master[apos]s in elementary education from Connecticut in 2002. She graduated summa cum laude and earned numerous academic honors including BIG EAST Academic All-Star (1998-2001), New England Scholar (1998-2000) and National Golden Key Honor Society (1999-2001).
In addition to her academic achievements, Klink was a member of Connecticut[apos]s varsity swimming and diving team. She was a BIG EAST finalist in the 200 and 500-meter freestyle events in 2000 and 2001. She was the university record holder in the 500 freestyle, and 400 and 800-yard freestyle relays.