University of Missouri’s Head Swim and Diving Coach Brian Hoffer announces the hiring of Stefanie Williams as assistant coach. Williams is a 24-time first-team All-American and a member of three NCAA champion teams.

The Bloomsburg, Pa. native swam at the University Georgia from 1998-02, helping the Bulldogs to three consecutive Southeastern Conference (SEC) and NCAA team championships from ’99-01. She was the SEC champion in the 200 free in ’01 and ’02, as well as the NCAA runner-up in the 100 and 200 free as a senior.

“Stefanie comes from a sports family, and has the passion for coaching that we need here at Mizzou,” Hoffer said. “Her NCAA and National Team experience will allow her to be a great role model for our young and upcoming teams. Stefanie is the type of person that can help build Mizzou swimming and diving into a national power.”

The former UGA record-holder in the 200 free (1:44.80), Williams was also part of a team that set the American, NCAA and US Open records in the 200 and 400 free relays in ’02.

She garnered a total of 28 All-America honors, and her 24 first-team awards are the third-most in Bulldog history. In ’02, Williams became the first female to receive UGA’s Sportsmanship of the Year Award.

Williams also brings a wealth of international experience to the Tiger coaching staff. An Olympic trials qualifier in ’00 and ’04, she won silver medals at the Pan American Games in ’99, the World Championships in ’01 and the World University Games in ’03.

Williams was also a 10-time Pa. state champion in high school, and holds YMCA national records the 50, 100 and 200 free.

After earning a degree in sports communications from UGA in ’03, Williams coached at Bloomsburg University, where her father, Frank, is a member of the football coaching staff, in the fall of ’04. She also served as a personal fitness trainer at the Philadelphia Sports Club.