EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – Former UW-Eau Claire swimmer and assistant coach Annie Ryder has been named the Blugold men's and women's swimming & diving head coach, Director of Athletics Scott Kilgallon announced today.

"We are very excited that Annie will be our next men's and women's swimming & diving coach," Kilgallon said. "I want to thank the search committee for identifying a group of strong finalists. Coach Ryder has excellent coaching experience, and is committed to the academic success and welfare of the student-athlete. I am confident that she will continue the great tradition of Blugold swimming & diving over the years."

Ryder takes over the swimming & diving program from Art Brandt, who retired after leading the Blugolds for the past six years. She will be the eighth head coach in women's program history and the sixth head coach in men's program history.

"I'm extremely excited and honored to be coaching at my Alma mater," Ryder said. "I am looking forward to the upcoming season, building on the successes from last year, and working with a great group of student-athletes."

Ryder swam for the Blugolds as Annie Gorman and was a four-time letterwinner (2002-06). She was a team captain her senior season and medaled 26 times at WIAC Championships. She also earned the team's hardest worker award all four seasons.

Following her swimming career, Ryder began coaching in the area. During her senior year she was the head coach for the girls' team at Menomonie High School, then graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from UW-Eau Claire in December 2006. From 2008 to 2010 she was an assistant coach for the Blugolds while also working toward her Master's degree in Applied Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota. She earned her Master's degree in 2011.

Ryder also served as head coach for the Menomonie Area Aquatic Club (May 2008-July 2011) and as head coach at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA (August 2011-Present). In her most recent role, she provided support and direction to a team of over 200 swimmers ages 5-18 years old.

Ryder and her Husband Chris currently live in Holmen, Wis. and have one daughter, Ellie, who is 14 months old.

-KM-