PULLMAN, Wash. (September 14, 2023) – Washington State Swimming added Kaersten Meitz as an assistant coach, Head Coach Matt Leach announced Thursday.
 
Meitz was a four-time All-American and four-time NCAA Championship qualifier while swimming at Purdue University. Meitz, who swam the freestyle events, also swam for the United States National Team (2017-19), won a pair of gold medals at the 2019 World University Games and twice competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials where she was a finalist.
 
Meitz closed her Purdue career earning All-America honors in the 500 free and All-America Honorable Mention in the 1650 Free after finishing fifth in the 500 free and tenth in the mile at the NCAA Championships. Meitz will work with the Cougars' distance freestyle swimmers.
 
"It's with great excitement to announce Kaersten Meitz as our newest addition to our Cougar Swimming Family. Kaersten has the background and knowledge to help inspire, develop and produce top level people, students and athletes," Leach said. "Kaersten will be a big asset to our Cougs and I can't wait for her to learn, grow and develop into the best coach on the national scale like she did as a student-athlete. Welcome to our Cougar Family! GO COUGS!"
 
"I couldn't be more thrilled and honored to be starting my coaching career as a part of the Cougar family. It is undeniable that Matt Leach is building something very special at WSU and I'm so excited to have the opportunity to work alongside him and with an amazing group of girls," Meitz said. "I would like to thank Matt, Russ Whitaker, the team, and support staff at WSU for being so welcoming and helping me in this entire process. I can't wait to learn, grow, be a part of this rising program, and continue to be involved in the sport I love so much. Go Cougs!"
 
Following her record-setting career with the Boilermakers, the Wisconsin native swam professionally in the International Swimming League before working in the corporate world and also with Professional Athlete where she spoke to age group swimmers on resiliency, mental toughness and time management. Since 2022, Meitz also volunteered on the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations Committee.