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Bill Roberts Named Men's Swimming Head Coach
Former Navy assistant coach and current Colgate head coach Bill Roberts will return to Annapolis as the new head coach for the Navy men's swimming program, it was announced today by Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. In addition to his duties as head coach, Roberts will also be an instructor in the physical education department. "We are very excited to welcome Bill Roberts and his family back to Annapolis," said Gladchuk. "Bill has distinguished himself to be one of the top young coaches in his sport, and we are pleased to have him lead our program. Bill had the unanimous support of everyone who met him during the interview process. He comes to us with great enthusiasm and understanding of this institution." "Dreams do come true," said Roberts. "To coach swimming at the U.S. Naval Academy is an opportunity of a lifetime. I feel blessed to have served at such a wonderful school as Colgate, and to now have the chance to work once again at the Naval Academy. This position means the world to me." Roberts served as an assistant coach at the Naval Academy from 1997-2000 under head coach Lee Lawrence. In his three years at Navy, the Lawrence-Roberts duo coached the Midshipmen to a 27-10 record, including an 18-9 Eastern Intercollegiate Swimming League mark. "I consider Bill Roberts to have been one of, if not the best assistant coach I had the pleasure to work with," said Lawrence. "I am very happy for both Bill and the Navy swimming program. Under his direction the program will be in very good hands for many, many years." "I am very excited about the hiring of Coach Roberts and know he will do great things with the Navy men's swimming team," said 2002-03 team captain MIDN 1/C Jimmy Battista, who participated in the interview process and swam under Roberts during the 1999-2000 season. "I look for him to take Navy to the top of the Eastern Intercollegiate Swimming League within the next few years." In the summer of 2000, Roberts left Navy and took over as the head coach of both the men's and women's teams at Colgate. This past season the Colgate women placed fourth in the Patriot League, the program's highest finish since an identical showing during the 1996-97 campaign. His men's teams placed fifth in the Patriot League in each of his seasons in Hamilton, which was highlighted during the 2002 season by Matt Vuturo becoming the program's first individual swimming champion in six years. His Raiders teams amassed a combined 39-36 record in his three seasons. A 1992 graduate of Springfield College, where he was a four-year letterwinner and served as team captain for two seasons, Roberts began his coaching career upon graduation as the head coach of the women's team at Wells College in his hometown of Aurora, N.Y. After two seasons at Wells, he served as a graduate assistant coach at East Carolina, during which time he earned a Master's Degree in athletic administration. In the summer of 1996, he moved on to Philadelphia as an assistant coach with the Villanova men's team for one year before coming to the Naval Academy. Roberts, 32, and his wife, Nicole, have two sons -- Will, age four and Nick, age one -- and are expecting another child later this year. Lawrence is retiring after a 36-year association with the men's swimming program, the last 30 as the head coach. In addition to compiling a 233-139 record with the men's swimming team, Lawrence amassed a 32-29 record in six seasons as the head coach of the women's swimming team (1979-85), as well as a 68-12 mark as the head coach of the men's water polo program (1982-84). His three programs compiled a 29-10 record against Army. "As both a coach and as an instructor, Lee Lawrence touched the lives of swimmers and midshipmen for close to 40 years," said Gladchuk. "His accomplishments and his outstanding commitment to the Brigade will not soon be forgotten. "Lee is an icon in this business and respected by everyone. We will miss his great sense of humor, wonderful personality and incredible impact on the Academy." "I look forward to building upon the tremendous success the program achieved under Navy and swimming legend and one of my mentors, Lee Lawrence," said Roberts. "Though the team is excited to have Coach Robert's back, we are sad to see Coach Lawrence retire," said Battista. "He has been the driving force behind the success of the program for well over 30 years and he will be dearly missed by all who have competed for him." Bill Roberts Fast Facts Coaching Timeline 2000-03 Head Coach, Colgate (M&W) 1997-2000 Assistant Coach, Navy (Men) 1996-97 Assistant Coach, Villanova (Men) 1994-96 Graduate Assistant, East Carolina (M&W) 1992-94 Head Coach, Wells College (Women) Education Springfield College '92 (Bachelor's Degree in physical education) East Carolina '96 (Master's Degree in athletic administration) Personal Native of: Aurora, N.Y. Wife: Nicole Sons: Will (4) & Nick (1)
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