CLEVELAND, Ohio – Trent Richardson has been named head coach of the Cleveland State men's and women's swimming & diving teams by Director of Athletics Kelsie Gory Harkey.
"We had the privilege of speaking with an impressive group of candidates during this search process, and it became clear that Trent embodies everything we sought in our next men's and women's swimming and diving head coach," Gory Harkey said. "He is a strong recruiter, a driven and student-athlete focused leader, and has a vision to continue the storied legacy of Cleveland State swimming and diving excellence in the pool, in the classroom and in the community."
Richardson becomes the fourth head coach to oversee both the men's and women's swimming & diving programs at Cleveland State.
"It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as the next head coach of men's and women's swimming and diving at Cleveland State University," Richardson said. "I would like to thank Director of Athletics Kelsie Gory Harkey, President Bloomberg, and everyone involved in the process for this opportunity – including former head coach Wally Morton. I would also like to thank Carolyn Kampf, my wife, partner and best friend, and our daughter Elizabeth for their unwavering love and support."
Last season, Richardson served as an assistant coach with the Vikings, helping the men finish third and the women place fifth at the Horizon League Championships. Cleveland State had two individual event winners at the #HLSD Championships, while a trio of divers qualified for NCAA Zone Championships.
"To be part of Cleveland State University swimming and diving is to be a part of something much bigger than yourself and much bigger than any one person. CSU swimming and diving has impacted generations of men and women for nearly 100 years, and the legacy of this program is rich with success both in and out of the pool. We will work diligently to continue that legacy, so that the current student-athletes in our program, and those that are future Vikings, have the opportunity to pursue excellence in the pool, in the classroom and in life," Richardson added.
Prior to Cleveland State, Richardson spent four years as the head coach at Loveland Swim Club in Colorado, helping the program earn a silver medal in the USA Swimming Club Excellence Program – ranking among the top-100 clubs in the country in 2022. At the 2022 US Winter Junior National Championship, Richardson guided his club to a 15th place finish – the highest finish in over 20 years – while he coached the men's 200-yard breaststroke junior national champion, Jake Eccleston.
Richardson also spent seven years as the pre-senior coach and assistant senior coach at DART Swimming in Northern California. In his time with the club, DART claimed six silver medals and one gold medal. In addition, 34 long course records were broken under his leadership. He worked with USA Swimming Junior National Team member Chenoa Devine and USA Swimming National Team member and National Age Group Record Holder Luca Urlando.
Prior to his stint with DART, Richardson spent time as a volunteer assistant coach at his alma mater, UC Davis. During his time with the Aggies, the men's team went undefeated and won their first Big West Conference Championship in 2010.
Richardson began his collegiate career at Diablo Valley College before attending UC Davis from 2007-09. Richardson served as a captain for the 2009 men's team and was a member of the 800-yard freestyle relay that won a Big West Conference Championship while setting a conference record time.
