KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Truman State Athletics has announced the hiring of Ethan Spencer as the new head coach of the Bulldog men's and women's swimming programs.
Spencer brings a strong blend of collegiate coaching experience, recruiting success, and leadership development to Kirksville after most recently serving as an assistant coach at Old Dominion University. During his time there, he helped guide the program to multiple records while playing a key role in recruiting, athlete development, and the integration of video technology into training.
At Old Dominion, Spencer contributed to nine program records and 11 pool records while also helping produce an NCAA Division I Championship qualifying time. He was heavily involved in recruiting coordination, managing official visits and bringing in top domestic and international talent.
Prior to his time at Old Dominion, Spencer served as an assistant coach at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he assisted with recruiting operations, organized team logistics, and helped lead training sessions across all stroke groups. He also gained head coaching experience as the Head Site Coach for Swim Florida, overseeing both age group and senior-level athletes while managing program operations and staff.
A 2023 graduate of DePauw University, Spencer was a team captain for the Tigers' swimming and diving program and earned degrees in communication and English literature.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Truman State University as the Head Coach of Men's and Women's Swimming," Spencer said. "Truman State Swimming has a long standing tradition of excellence, both in the classroom and in the pool, and I am honored and excited to be apart of this program and community. I want to thank Director Coombs and the entire administration for this opportunity, as well as express my gratitude to all of my prior mentors, coaches, and colleagues for their support. I cannot wait to get to work in Kirksville alongside the rest of the Bulldog community, and look forward to helping future generations achieve their dreams for years to come. Go Bulldogs!"
Director of Athletics Signe Coombs expressed confidence in Spencer's ability to lead the program into its next chapter.
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Ethan Spencer as the next leader of our historic swimming program," Coombs said. "Coach Spencer brings an outstanding combination of competitive student-athlete experience, collegiate coaching success, and a genuine commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes. As a former student-athlete and accomplished coach, he possesses the technical expertise, leadership skills, and competitive mindset necessary to build a program grounded in accountability, growth, and excellence. We are looking forward to his energy, vision, and leadership that will further advance our programs and sustain success."
Spencer will begin his duties immediately as he takes over a Truman State swimming program with a tradition of success both in the GLVC and in the classroom.
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