KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Jennifer Godlewski has been named the interim head Men's and Women's Swimming coach at Truman State University and will begin her duties immediately. Godlewski was most recently a graduate assistant at Illinois State University, a Div. I institution.
“We are very fortunate to find someone of Jennifer's ability and passion for the sport of swimming in such a short time to fill in on an interim basis,” said Director of Athletics
Jerry Wollmering. “Once the word of coach Gole's departure was out, Jennifer was one of many leads we received through our supportive and enthusiastic alumni of the program.”
Godlewski completed her masters' degree in Sports Management at Illinois State University and had served as a graduate assistant coach for the Redbirds for the past year and a half. During that period, five school records and one pool record were broken, marking the most records set in a single season in 15 years. She assisted with daily workouts, facilitated home meets and was key in marketing swim lessons and swim camps.
"It is an honor to complete this season for Truman State University,” said Godlewski. “There are strong academic and swimming traditions here that make this opportunity exciting for me. These student-athletes are very committed and resilient, and I have all the confidence that they will overcome the adversity presented to them. Together, we will complete another successful season."
Godlewski graduated from Illinois State in 1994 with a degree in Business Administration. She was a team captain for ISU and named the most valuable swimmer after breaking four records her senior season. She still holds Redbird marks in the 50 and 100 Free and was part of two record breaking relay squads in the 200 and 400 Free. She was named the most valuable swimmer at the Gateway Conference Championships as well.
Godlewski took a job in the private sector and spent nearly 11 years in the corporate world before rediscovering her desire to coach. She took over as head Boys Swimming and Diving Coach at Oak Forest High School in suburban Chicago in 2006 while also serving as a head age group coach for the Oak Forest Swim Association and Program Director for Illinois Swim America.
Wanting to move up into the collegiate coaching world, Godlewski returned to her alma mater as a graduate assistant coach in 2009.
Danielle Odenthal, a May 2010 graduate of Truman and alumna of the swim program, will work as the interim assistant coach. Odenthal was serving as a volunteer coach for the Bulldogs during the fall season.
The Bulldogs will compete for the first time in 2011 at Missouri State University on Jan. 15th prior to returning home for senior weekend on Jan. 21 and 22nd against Missouri S&T and Drury (Mo.).
