Athletics

Murphy names Finch swimming and diving assistant coach, retains McMillan

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State swimming & diving head coach Tim Murphy announced Thursday (Aug. 29) that Doak Finch will join the program as an assistant coach. Murphy will also retain Liz McMillan, who will enter her sixth season as an assistant coach.

"Doak has played an integral role in the success of swimmers at every level," Murphy said. "He will bring immense coaching experience and an important element of understanding to the staff."

"Liz has been a vital part of the success that Penn State swimming and diving has had during her tenure," Murphy said. "She is a great coach and mentor, and will continue to challenge the team as it embarks on even greater heights."

Finch joins the Penn State swimming staff after spending 11 seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Virginia, where he primarily mentored distance swimmers. The Cavaliers' distance group captured four Atlantic Coast Conference titles in 2012-13, as Kelly Offutt swept the women's distance events (500 free, 1,650 free). In addition to his coaching duties at UVA, Finch was actively involved in recruiting and the strength and conditioning programs.

An 11-time NCAA All-American and 11-time ACC champion at Virginia, Finch remains among the Top 10 on the Cavaliers' all-time top times list in the 200 fly and 400 IM.

"It is an honor to join the Penn State swimming and diving family and I am excited to continue the traditions set by those before me," Finch said. "I want to thank Tim Murphy and Charmelle Green for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with the program and I look forward to helping the student-athletes achieve at the highest level both academically and athletically."

McMillan joined the Penn State swimming staff in 2008-09 after coaching stints in both the ACC and Big East. Last season, she helped 11 different PSU swimmers earn All-America honors at the NCAA Championships and guided the men's and women's swimming squads to Top 40 finishes at nationals for the third consecutive season.  

Last Updated August 29, 2013

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