The Binghamton University swimming and diving program announced Monday that Aimee Bourassa, a 2006 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, has been named the Bearcats' assistant swimming and diving coach.

"Aimee's approach to the sport is most impressive. Her background in Canadian swimming and at a solid Division I program will make her very valuable, both on deck and in the office," Binghamton head coach and fellow UMass alum Sean Clark said. "We're excited to utilize her talents to the fullest in our upcoming season."

A native of Ottawa, Ontario, Bourassa comes to Binghamton after completing a successful four-year tenure as a dual-sport athlete for the Minutewomen, competing as a member of both the university's swimming and rowing programs.

This past season, she served as a tri-captain for a UMass squad that took third place at the Atlantic 10 Swimming and Diving Championships. An extremely versatile swimmer, Bourassa concluded her stellar career ranked among the top-10 all-time at UMass in four different events.

Prior to her time at Amherst, she enjoyed a decorated high school swimming career that included a stint with the Canadian National Team. Additionally, in each of her years as a member of the rowing team, the Minutewomen captured both the Atlantic 10 and ECAC championships.

Over the last two years, Bourassa has also been fortunate to gain significant coaching and instructional experience, serving as an assistant training coach at the UMass Championship Swim Camp, while also holding a volunteer coaching post with the Amherst Tritons, a competitive swim program for swimmers from age 5 to 18 in the Amherst, Massachusetts area.

In addition to her competitive swimming and coaching background, Bourassa also brings with her a wealth of experience in the marketing and communications fields. Since 2003, she has served as a marketing assistant with the Ottawa Senators, acting as an ambassador at various events and assisting in a variety of the organization's promotional and community relations efforts.

She has also spent time working with the marketing department the Holyoke Giants of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL).

A dean's list student, Bourassa graduated from the University of Massachusetts this past May with a degree in sports management.