Todd DeSorbo, the head coach of the University of Virginia swimming program, has seen his vision come to fruition as he prepares to coach the Virginia-flavored United States women’s team at the upcoming Paris Olympics. DeSorbo’s goal was to emulate the success of Cal Berkeley in swimming, and with four consecutive women’s NCAA titles under his belt, he has certainly achieved that.
Despite doubts from others, DeSorbo was confident in his ability to elevate the Virginia program to new heights, much like Cal Berkeley. His coaching philosophy focuses on developing athletes through short-course and long-course seasons, allowing them to excel at both collegiate championships and international competitions like the Olympics.
With a roster of talented swimmers, including multiple Olympic qualifiers, the Virginia program has become a powerhouse in collegiate swimming. Athletes like Gretchen Walsh, Alex Walsh, Emma Weber, Kate Douglass, and Paige Madden have all excelled under DeSorbo’s leadership, earning medals and setting records at various competitions.
DeSorbo’s success has earned him the head coaching position for the United States women’s team at the Paris Olympics, where he will lead a team of talented swimmers, including several from the University of Virginia program. With a focus on developing athletes both in and out of the pool, DeSorbo’s coaching style has helped Virginia become a dominant force in collegiate swimming and a breeding ground for future Olympians.
As he looks ahead to the future, DeSorbo is focused on building on the success of Tokyo and Paris, with a goal of producing even more Olympic qualifiers in future games, culminating in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. With his innovative coaching methods and dedication to his athletes, DeSorbo has solidified his place as a leader in the world of collegiate swimming.
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