The Davenport University women's swimming and diving program began competing in the fall of 2018 and did so under the leadership of head coach, Justin Vasquez. Vasquez was appointed to lead the team in August of 2017 after a stop at Grand Valley State University that began in May of 2012. Beginning in the fall of 2020, the men's swimming and diving program will begin competing alongside the women, also coached by Vasquez.
After two full seasons of competition, the women improved their GLIAC Championships' finish from fifth place to fourth and qualified for the NCAA Championships for the first time in 2020. Davenport sent Lauren Bockheim (200 back) and Emma Wallis (400 IM, 200 IM, 500 free, and 1650 free) to the national event before Bockheim became the program's first CSCAA All-American. Academically, the Panthers were named a Scholar All-American Team for the second-straight season while Bockheim, Wallis, Emily Bolt, Lacey Mirandette, Lexis Mirandette, and Victoria Postmus garnered individual CSCAA Scholar All-American honors.
While serving as associate head swim coach/assistant aquatics coordinator in Allendale, Vasquez guided the mid-distance and distance freestyle swimmers and helped create and manage a new weight training and dry-land program for the entire team. He also was a key contributor in the recruiting process of prospective student-athletes among his many duties.
“We are excited to have such an experienced coach and swim professional to assist us in bringing women's swimming and diving to DU,” said athletic director Paul Lowden. “His knowledge of NCAA Division II, GLIAC and his experience in recruiting quality student-athletes will be a great asset in developing our inaugural aquatic program.”
Prior to his work at GVSU, Vasquez served as an assistant swim coach at Calvin College from September 2009 to March 2012. He was a standout in the pool during his collegiate days at GVSU and was named an All-American and Academic All-American during the 2005-2006 campaign. He also served as team captain during the 2006-2007 season for the Lakers.
“I am very grateful and excited to be a part of the Davenport Athletic program and to start the Women’s Swimming and Diving program,” said Vasquez. “During all of my interviews everyone made it very clear how important the student-athlete experience is at Davenport. Davenport’s athletic department vision and philosophy match my coaching philosophy. It was an easy decision for me to want to be a part of this wonderful university.”
