BY Hamline University Newsroom

Hamline University head men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach Paul Waas, Jr. has resigned from his position, university athletics officials announced on Monday.

Waas is leaving Hamline to accept the position of head men’s and women’s swimming coach at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

“We appreciate the passion and energy that Paul invested in our swimming and diving program,” said Interim Director of Athletics, Chris Hartman. “We wish him the best of luck as he makes the move to Washington.”

Waas coached the Pipers for two seasons, during which time his teams broke several school records. Additionally, he coached an MIAC champion in his first season (Dana Ketcher – 50-yard freestyle) and returned a Piper to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 1996 in honorable mention All-American Jonathan Tapia-Rodriguez (200-yard butterfly). Four of Waas’ swimmers set NCAA provisional times this season.

“I want to thank Hamline University for giving me the opportunity to be a Piper,” said Waas. “I enjoyed my time coaching here and I will watch the future success of the program with interest.”

Prior to joining Hamline’s staff, Waas was an assistant coach for four seasons with SUNY-Oswego, his alma mater. Waas earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies from SUNY-Oswego in 1999. He later earned his master’s in English education in 2005.

The search for Waas’ replacement will begin immediately.

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