Texas A&M women¹s swimming head coach Steve Bultman announced the hiring of Tracy Duchac as the Aggies' new assistant coach on Tuesday.

"We are excited to have Tracy join our staff," Bultman said. "She comes very highly recommended. Her enthusiasm and competitiveness is a key component of what we need to help us continue our rise as a program. Her ability to relate to our athletes will make her a great asset to our program."

As the newest member of the staff, Duchac will play key roles in on-deck coaching, recruiting, and helping to manage the team¹s administrative needs.

"I am excited to join a university so committed to excellence and so rich in tradition," Duchac said. "In addition, I am looking forward to being a part of an elite swim program that has such high prospects for success and expectations for the future."

Duchac, 24, is a 2006 graduate of Purdue University, earning a bachelor¹s degree in health promotion. She is a former College Swim Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) all-academic honoree as well as a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Duchac served as a volunteer assistant coach in her final year in West Lafayette, Ind., helping oversee the Boilermakers achieve nine new team records. Purdue, who hosted the NCAA Championships in 2005, finished among the top 25 for the second straight season in 2006.

As a collegiate athlete, Duchac became the first Boilermaker in school history to break the 23-second barrier in the 50-yard freestyle. She made appearances at the NCAA Championships from 2003 to 2005, earning honorable mention All-American honors in the 200 and 400-yard freestyle relays. She helped push her squad to school records in both the 200 and 400-yard freestyle relays as well.

Duchac has also served for more than a year as a coach for the Boilermaker Aquatics club team, a group that has produced qualifiers for the U.S. Olympic Trials as well as both U.S. Junior and Senior Nationals.

A native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Duchac was a high school state champion in the 100-yard freestyle as well as a high school All-American in 2000 and 2001. She was a three-sport athlete as a prep, competing in basketball and track and field in addition to swimming all four years.

Duchac will take the place of six-year veteran Kristin Hill, who elected to resign on May 1 in order to move closer to family.