Florida Atlantic University Athletics
FAU Names Michelle Sandelin As Dive Coach
11/3/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
Nov. 3, 2008
BOCA RATON, FL- Florida Atlantic University has announced Michelle Sandelin as its new dive coach. Sandelin will be working with 1-meter and 3-meter divers, including FAU record-holder Lauren Harvath, Stephanie Goodman, and newcomers Garret LeMon and Kyle Polk.
"I am very excited to be on board with FAU and look forward to a great season," Sandelin said. "The divers bring a lot of enthusiasm and talent to the pool everyday."
Formerly known as Michelle Davison, Sandelin brings 20 years of experience at the junior nationals, high school, collegiate, and international levels. A competitive diver since the age of 6, Sandelin won the 1-meter and 3-meter United States Junior Nationals nine times. Sandelin also is a seven-time U.S. national team member.
While attending the University of South Carolina from 1998 to 2000, Sandelin was recognized as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Diver of the Year (1999), won the SEC Athletic Award (1999) and is a SEC record holder. Continuing her education and collegiate career at the University of Miami from 2001-02, Sandelin was recognized as the "NCAA Woman of the Year" for the state of Florida, a member of UM's Iron Arrow, and a Big East Conference champion.
In four years of collegiate competitions, Sandelin was a four-year NCAA All-American, NCAA Academic All-American and Dean's list honoree. Sandelin earned her degree in business management and organization in 2002 from UM.
Throughout her career, Sandelin has qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Sandelin finished fifth in the 3-meter event in 1996 at the age of 16, second in 2000 and third in 2004. Her second-place finish in 2000 earned her a spot on the U.S. Olympic team bound for Sydney, Australia. At the 2000 Olympic Games, Sandelin qualified for the final round and finished 12th overall. Sandelin is the second Olympian to join the FAU swim and dive coaching staff. FAU coach Oliver Agh is also a two-time Olympian.
Away from the pool, Sandelin has been an athlete representative for the United States Diving Association, a motivational speaker, and most recently worked for Competitor Southeast Magazine as a regional account manager.
Sandelin was born in Boca Raton, but grew up in Columbia, South Carolina before returning to South Florida as a competitive diver. She is married to Kevin Sandelin and they reside in Boca Raton.
Players Mentioned
