LA MIRADA, Calif. — Biola Athletic Director
Dr. Dave Holmquist announced on Monday (May 23) that
Eddie Shepard has been re-hired as Biola's Head Swim and Dive Coach, returning to his post after a one-year hiatus. Shepard takes over for Coach Brittany Sharpe, who resigned after one year at the helm.
“Our entire department is excited to have Eddie return,” said Holmquist. “He has a great history with us and now we look forward to a wonderful future. His Christian character and ability to teach swimming make him a perfect fit for our program.”
Shepard was an NAIA All-American on the Biola swim team for one season before taking over as the fourth coach in the program's history. Under his direction, the Eagles have reached the NAIA Championships in each of the last seven years. The men's team placed in the top 10 at nationals in each of his seven seasons at the helm while the women placed in the top 10 in six of those seven years.
Shepard, who also served as the President of the NAIA Swimming and Diving Coaches Association in 2008-09, coached the first NAIA Champion in the program's history as April Smith won the 200 breaststroke title at the 2010 Championships.
“I am very excited to be returning to Biola,” said Shepard. “The seven years I spent coaching the Biola swim team showed me how exciting and rewarding working with Biola's student-athletes can be. I look forward to helping grow and improve the swimming program and being involved in these amazing young men and women's lives.”
Shepard, who completed his Master's of Theology degree at Biola in 2010, spent the last year in Washington State while his wife and former assistant swim coach Elisa finished her work to earn a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
Sharpe, who became the fifth swim coach in program history last season, was a four-year member of the Biola swim team from 2005-08, swimming distance freestyle and qualifying for the NAIA National Championships each year. She graduated from Biola in spring of 2008 with a degree in Business Administration. Sharpe is leaving the post to pursue her career in business.
