Christa Saunders Joins ECU Swimming & Diving Coaching Staff

GREENVILLE, N.C. – Christa Saunders has been named an assistant swimming and diving coach at ECU, head coach Matthew Jabs announced today. Saunders joins the Pirates' coaching staff following a two-year stint as an assistant coach at UConn.

"It became apparent early in our search that Christa would be one of our top candidates," Jabs said. "Her organization, attention to detail really stood out. Her belief and focus on detailed work in the water, with a demand on effort and accountability fits right in with the identity we are building here within the program. I'm excited to add her to our staff and am looking forward to the opportunity to work with her this season."

As an assistant coach at UConn, Saunders helped the Huskies post 395 personal best times, 26 NCAA 'B' qualifying marks and 27 school records in addition to registering 149 Top 10 all-time performances, and win four American Athletic Conference events.

Prior to her tenure at UConn, she served as a graduate assistant for two years at Gardner-Webb. During her time in Boiling Springs, the Bulldogs had 12 individual Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) champions and posted 11 NCAA 'B' cuts with 370 personal best marks and 38 school records.

Saunders was a two-year letterman at William & Mary before she suffered a career-ending shoulder injury and served as a student assistant coach for her final two seasons (2015-17), while obtaining a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology. The Tribe won the 2015 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) men's championship in 2015 after finishing runner-up in 2014, while the ladies placed third each season. The squad also posted 45 school records, five CAA Championship records and 45 NCAA 'B' qualifying times.

"In intercollegiate swimming, every coach regardless of position on the staff, plays a role in team, and student-athlete's success," Jabs stated. "Christa got a head start on her coaching career due to her injury. She took what most would consider an unfortunate circumstance and turned it into an advantageous opportunity. She has shared the pool deck with some very good coaches and worked with successful programs. I believe she will add some new ideas to the pool deck, and be a tremendous asset in recruiting."

"East Carolina hit a home run with this hire," Princeton Head Coach Matt Crispino said. "I've known Christa for almost 10 years and have watched her develop into a fantastic young coach with a bright future. She has the values, work ethic, and expertise that will make her a valuable asset for the ECU Swimming and Diving program."

Christa Saunders Joins ECU Swimming & Diving Coaching Staff

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