University of Arizona Athletics issued the following announcement on Aug. 11.
Lara Jackson, a legendary Arizona Wildcat and one of the most decorated collegiate swimmers in history, has returned to Tucson to serve as an Assistant Coach for Arizona Swimming and Diving, Head Coach Augie Busch announced.
Jackson joins the Arizona coaching staff after previously serving two seasons in the same role with Florida Gulf Coast from 2019–21. During her time with the Eagles, the program secured a share of the 2021 CCSA title and a second-place finish at the 2020 CCSA Championships.
"I am so excited to welcome Lara to our staff. She is a proud, engaged alum whose passion and love for this program are second to none," Busch said. "The added emotional attachment she has to Arizona Swimming & Diving is very exciting and I can't wait to see how that not only motivates her but rubs off on everyone who is part of our team. She is an excellent coach and made a significant impact in a short period of time at FGCU. As an athlete, what separated her from even the greats was a next-level attention to detail. That same focus, combined with her unique and caring communication style, are central to her effectiveness a coach. Arizona Swimming & Diving just got a lot better with Lara coming aboard."
During her career as a student-athlete with the Wildcats, Jackson logged an astounding nine National Championships (two individual, seven relay) and 14 All-American selections. To this day she still holds the women's program record in the 50-yard free with a time of 21.27 and ranks second all-time in the 100-yard butterfly at 51.12. Jackson's efforts in 2008 helped lead the Wildcats to their first-ever team NCAA Championship. As a senior in 2009 she was tabbed with the department's Ruby Award, given annually to Arizona's most outstanding female student-athlete.
"This position with the University of Arizona Swimming & Diving program is a dream come true," Jackson said. "Tucson is such a special place, and even in the decade I've spent elsewhere since graduating I have always remained a Wildcat in my heart, a Wildcat for life. I am so grateful for this opportunity coach Busch has given me to be part of this program's future. I couldn't be more excited to be here and I am ready for the long haul with Arizona. This is my city, my University, and my team."
Jackson's post-collegiate swimming experience includes time with the United States National Team and a gold medal in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2011 Pan-American Games.
Prior to her time at FGCU, Jackson spent three years coaching in France with Vichy Val d'Allier Natation, where she served as the Head Senior Coach and the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. Under Jackson's direction, multiple swimmers earned qualification to the French Nationals.
Jackson is a native of El Paso, Texas and earned her B.S. in Animal Sciences from the University of Arizona in 2009. She is married to Julien Mathias.
Original source can be found here.
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