Elizabeth Mackay joined the Eagles as Biola's Head Diving Coach in the summer of 2024.
In her first season, Lorelai Carney won both the 1-meter and 3-meter titles at the 2025 Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference (PCSC) Championships, and Sebastian Burgos won the men's 1-meter title. In 2025-26, Caleb Pook won the PCSC 3-meter title and was named PCSC Male Diver of the Meet. Lorelai Carney competed at the NCAA Division II diving qualification meet in 2025, and in 2026 four Biola divers, Caleb Pook, Peyton Nelson, Lauren Smith and Eliana Ko, competed at the NCAA Division II diving qualification meet.
Mackay comes to Biola after working as an Assistant Coach for the Charger Dive Club and the Valley Dive Club. As a coach, Elizabeth has made significant contributions to the Valley Dive Club and Charger Dive Club, where she has coached novice and Junior Olympics (JO) athletes. She is known for her ability to understand and motivate the athletes. She focuses on developing the talent and self-confidence in athletes so they can overcome life's challenges.
She boasts an illustrious background as a member of Canada's 1980 Olympic team. Renowned for her ambition, loyalty, and disciplined approach, Elizabeth brings exceptional planning, coordination, and team-building skills to her role. Throughout her career she has had extensive experience in managing communications, developing strategic visions, and fostering confidence in athletes and public personalities.
Elizabeth's diving career is highlighted by her achievements as a five-time Canadian National Champion on the 10-meter platform. She has competed in prestigious international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the Pan-Am Games. She was the sole Canadian female diver to qualify for both the 3-meter and 10-meter events at the 1980 Olympic Games, which Canada did not attend because of its boycott of the Moscow Games. Her competitive spirit and skill earned her numerous podium finishes across various international events.
When Elizabeth retired from diving she went on to become Press Secretary for the Canadian Department of Fitness and Amateur Sport before going to the private sector.
In her professional career, Elizabeth served as the Québec Government's Delegate in Los Angeles from 2015 to 2019, representing Québec in 13 western U.S. states. She founded Addendum Communications in 2019 with her husband.
Elizabeth holds a degree in Communications from Université Laval and a college diploma in Arts and Human Sciences from St. Lawrence College, and has completed coursework in Marketing, Management, and Aboriginal Studies at Université Laval. She is a dedicated advocate for rescue animals, loves to take care of her two cats and Labradane dog, and enjoys the outdoors, camping, and fly fishing whenever she can.
Elizabeth resides in Los Angeles with her husband. She has three sons and continues to inspire and lead with her extensive experience and dedication to excellence.
