Murray Named Potsdam Bears Swimming and Diving Head Coach
Potsdam Sports Information Department
POTSDAM, N.Y.—SUNY Potsdam Director of Athletics Mark Misiak has announced the hiring of Emily Murray as head coach of the Bears swimming and diving programs.
"I'm delighted to welcome Emily to SUNY Potsdam as the next head coach of our swimming and diving programs," said Misiak. "What impressed me most about Emily, was her desire to make sure she formed personal connections with all her current and prospective student-athletes. I'm convinced our swimmers and divers will thrive under her leadership."
Murray has been involved in swimming as a coach and organizationally at many levels. Over the past three years, she served as the Executive Director and Head Swim Coach for Metro Aquatics in Washington State. In that role she oversaw the daily operations of the competitive swim team and built strong relationships within the community. She coached swimmers of all ages, and abilities with athletes qualifying for local championship meets, Sectionals, and Zones. Murray values creating safe, encouraging, and inclusive spaces for athletes, a priority that played a key role in the program's growth.
During the same period, Murray was the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Vice Chair for Pacific Northwest Swimming where she delivered DEI education and managed outreach programs.
Murray's coaching career began in 2015 as an Assistant Age Group Coach with the University Place Aquatic Club, the club she grew up swimming for. She later spent two years with West Coast Athletics in Washington State, where she coached and managed the development of swimming and dryland practices. She also handled lesson scheduling, program development, and instructor oversight.
Murray holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Western Washington University (2018) and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Eastern Washington University (2024).
"I'm incredibly excited to join SUNY Potsdam and lead the Bears swimming and diving programs," said Murray. "My goal is to create an environment where each athlete feels supported, challenged, and valued, both in and out of the pool. I believe that personal connections and a positive, inclusive culture are key to building a successful team, and I can't wait to start working with these talented student-athletes."
