April 26, 2023
Russell Named Head Swim Coach and Director of Aquatics
HUNTINGDON, Pa.- Juniata College is pleased to announce Kyle Russell as the Head Men's and Women's Swimming Coach and Director of Aquatics.
"I am very excited to have Kyle join the Juniata family," said Director of Athletics Nikki Ayers. "His passion for swimming and providing a supportive student experience shone through during our search process. I can't wait for him to get started… exciting things are ahead for our swim programs!"
Russell arrives in Huntingdon following a two-year stint as the graduate assistant coach at Misericordia University. He was responsible for the program's recruitment and served as the program's lead strength and conditioning coach.
"I am extremely honored to accept this position," said Russell. "I want to thank the entire Juniata Athletics Staff for making my visit to campus so welcoming. I would like to thank the Misericordia Athletics staff and Coach Taylor for giving me my start in Collegiate athletics and for providing me with the experience and confidence to take on this position. I would also like to thank Nikki Ayers for the opportunity to take this program to the next level. I am excited to start working with the current student-athletes and to make the program competitive within the Landmark Conference."
Prior to his stint at Misericordia, Russell served one year as an intern for the athletics department at his alma mater, Salisbury University. He created and organized practices that met COVID compliance guidelines, assisted with contacting recruits, and researched cost-efficient solutions for department equipment purchases.
While at Salisbury, Russell also spent a year and a half as an assistant coach for swimming at the Henson Family YMCA. There, he developed practice plans for different age groups, provided coaching instruction on stroke technique, and helped swimming develop personal goals. He has served in roles including Head Coach, Swim Lessons Manager, and Interim Pool Manager at North Harford Neptunes in Jarrettsville, Maryland dating back to 2015.
Russell graduated from Salisbury University in May of 2021 with a BS in Exercise Science. Russell was a four-year member of the Seagulls' swimming team. He was named to the All-Capital Athletic Conference Second Team for the 200 Breaststroke in 202 and was a three-year member of the conference's All-Academic Team. Russell was also inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a College Athlete Honors Society, in 2020.
Russell is currently pursuing an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Sports Management at Misericordia and anticipates graduating this May.