"Lars is a perfect fit for Rocket women's swimming and diving," O'Brien said. "I feel that he brings tremendous experience and recruiting ability to Toledo. I'm excited to have someone with his knowledge and passion for the sport join the Toledo family."

A San Diego, CA native, Jorgensen comes to Toledo from Louisiana State University, where he spent five years. He was an assistant coach for four years and was named an associate head coach prior to last season.

"I'm very honored and excited to become the head women's swimming and diving coach at the University of Toledo," Jorgensen said. "My goal is to create a first-class program that the players, university, alumni and the community can be proud of in and out of the pool."

Jorgensen was instrumental in helping former LSU Head Coach Jeff Cavana recruit top-caliber athletes, as well as devoting many hours to on-deck coaching and administrative activities. He also specialized in the training of the distance swimmers.

Jorgensen coached twelve NCAA All-Americans while at LSU and coached athletes who broke six school records. His swimmers qualified for the NCAA Championships in events from the 50 freestyle to the mile, and their relays scored in the top eight in the nation.

Jorgensen's coaching paid off in a big way in 2002-03, as the LSU men posted another Top-20 finish. The LSU women also continued their distance swimming success when All-American Stephanie Smith set school records in the 500, 1000 and 1,650 freestyle events.

Jorgensen joined the Tigers in 1999 after previously being involved with numerous swimming organizations. While attending the University of Tennessee, he was a vital member of the swimming and diving team, setting the school record in both the 1000- and 1650-yard freestyle events. He was also the Ironman Triathlon recordholder, a six-time USS National Champion, an NCAA All-American and a participant in the 1988 Olympic Games for the United States in the 1500-freestyle.

After graduating from Tennessee with a bachelor of arts in political science in 1994, Jorgensen earned his master's degree in sports management in 1996 and then went into coaching. He was the assistant coach at Tennessee under head coach John Trembley until 1994 when he was hired as the head coach at the Blount Aquatic Club in Maryville, TN.

Jorgensen moved back to San Diego, where he was hired as the head age-group coach of the Blue Fins Swim Team.

Jorgensen has developed many national age group recordholders' primarily in the backstroke events, and has consistently produced top-16 swimmers at the national level throughout his coaching career.

Jorgensen replaces Brian Sharar who led the Rockets for nine years. The Rockets eliminated their men's program in the Spring of 2003.

Jorgensen and his wife, Rachel, have a daughter, Margaret Elizabeth (3).