Erikson comes to Principia from the
University of Pitt-Bradford, where he was the head swim coach for the past two
years. In those two years, Erikson took the team from club status to NCAA
division III varsity status.
Before coaching at Pitt-Bradford, Erikson
received his Masters in Education with a concentration in Athletic
leadership/administration from Goucher College, where he also served as
assistant swim coach from 2003 to 2005. He was the head swim coach of the
Weymouth Club Swim Team in Massachusetts from 1999 to 2003 and the assistant coach at Principia
from 1994 to
1999.
With over ten years of collegiate coaching
experience, Erikson brings much to the table and will coach the swim team
in its first-ever season in the new natatorium!
Erikson graduated from Principia College in
1991, earning a B.A. in History and Biology. He was a member of the varsity swim
team at Principia for four years and was captain of the team his senior year.
Returning in his second year as head diving coach, Phillips is looking forward to all of the opportunities this year will bring. Also working for the Community Safety Office as a gate-guard, Phillips will probably write practices during his evening shift at the gate!
Before coaching at Principia, Phillips worked as a PE teacher in Palatine, Illinois. He comes to the position with 6 years of diving experience, including 2 years with Sacco Shows performing at Six Flags Great America and The Taste of Chicago. In college, Phillips was a three-sport athlete and earned four varsity letters in Cross Country, Swimming and Diving, and Track and Field at Principia.
Phillips graduated from Principia in June 2005 with a BA in Sports Management and has always loved coaching. Christian Science has always been a big factor in his training and his love of sports, so he jumped at the chance to come back to the enriching atmosphere Principia provides.
Assistant Coach: Joy Deal
This is Joy's first year of collegiate coaching. Joy was a four-year member of the Principia College Swimming and Diving team and was the captain of the team her senior year. She loves working with young people and strives to inspire those around her to achieve greatness. Joy has spent many summers at Christian Science camps doing just that. She's taught swimming lessons, been a waterfront director, and learned how to take charge of a group. The pool deck will surely be more "joyous" with her contagious laughter and immense love for all who come into contact with her.
