HAMDPEN-SYDNEY, Va. -- Hampden-Sydney College Swimming Head Coach Betsy Leonard has announced her resignation as head coach, effective August 1; however, she will remain in her role as the Director of TigeRec, a position that she has served since 2012. Betsy has served as the swimming program's first and only head coach since November 1, 2011, and compiled an overall record of 59-38 over 14 seasons, including a runner-up finish at the 2017 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Championships. She previously led the Cross Country program for seven seasons, as well, from 2011-17.

"I want to thank Betsy for all that she has done for Tiger Swimming over the last 14 years," said Director of Athletics Chad Eisele. "She has been such a positive influence on our student-athletes and I am glad she will be able to continue to do that as she focuses on her duties in TigeRec."

The Tigers have enjoyed steady improvement throughout Coach Leonard's tenure, setting multiple new individual and relay team school records year after year. The program operated independently for the first three years before beginning ODAC affiliation during 2014-15, and H-SC's Lee Ayscue was named the conference's first men's swimming Scholar-Athlete of the Year that winter. The Tigers have had 13 All-ODAC selections since 2015, including two First Team honorees (Hudson Elmore, 2017; Woody Parsons, 2019), and Coach Leonard was named the ODAC Coach of the Year in 2017 when the Garnet & Grey finished second at the conference championship for their best-ever placing at the conference meet.

"I can't even begin to tell you how difficult this decision was for me," explained Leonard. "It has been an incredible privilege and an honor to coach these men. I'm beyond grateful for the time, dedication and hard work shown by each member of the team during the past 14 seasons. They have been an inspiration to me and my three boys, who I've raised on this campus.

"I am excited that I'm remaining at the college and I will continue to support the team. I look forward to their continued success and the future of H-SC Swimming. I am so thankful to the administration for being so accommodating and supporting my decision. ROLL TIGERS!"

Leonard was the Assistant Director for TigeRec from 2010 to 2012 before being promoted to Director in December 2012. In her role with TigeRec, she is an American Fitness Professional and Associates (AFPA) Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor. During her tenure with cross country, the Tigers hosted the 2013 ODAC Cross Country Championships on November 2, 2013 at The Manor Golf Club located just minutes from campus.

Eisele said that a national search for a new swimming head coach will begin immediately.