Longtime Salisbury University men's and women's swimming coach and Assistant Athletic Director Jill Stephenson announced on Saturday she will be retiring at the conclusion of the spring semester, effective May 31.
"Working at Salisbury University has truly been a 'dream come true,'" Stephenson said in a news release. "I appreciate the support and guidance from Dr. (Gerry) DiBartolo, Dr. (Michael) Vienna, my colleagues and the swimmers that have come and gone throughout my 26 years here at SU. I've enjoyed my career at SU and look forward to spending more time with family and friends and pursue other interests that have been put on hold throughout my career."
Stephenson, the longest-tenured and winningest coach in the SU swimming program's history, collected 211 meet wins during her career and exceeded 100 wins in both men's and women's swimming.
Stephenson has twice been named Capital Athetic Conference (now Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference) Coach of the Year and has coached 219 All-CAC honorees.
"Jill has been an outstanding resource for her responsibilities in the pool as well as to our athletic department and Salisbury University," DiBartolo said in the release. "Her legacy to the swimming team and her contributions will never be forgotten."
Stephenson was inducted into the Northern Michigan University Sports Hall of Fame for her performances as a member of the women's swimming and diving team.
The NMU 1981-82 squad finished as runner ups for the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Division II Championships.
"Being part of such an amazing campus has been a pleasure," Stephenson said in the release. "I will forever be a Sea Gull."
By NICK LEWIS
Sports editor
Photo courtesy of SU Sports Information.