First-year head coach Andy Bashor has announced the hiring of Courtney Kostival as an assistant coach for the University at Buffalo women's swimming and diving program. Kostival joins a staff of Bashor and second-year diving coach Karla Helder, who Bashor announced last month would remain with the team.

Kostival comes to the Bulls after spending the last six seasons at fellow MAC institution Ohio, where she served the last two years as a graduate assistant coach where she worked with the distance swimmers. Kostival will not be the only former Ohio graduate assistant on the staff as Bashor was also a graduate assistant for the Bobcats while pursuing his master's degree in physical education.

"I am please and excited that Courtney has decided to join our swimming and diving program," said Bashor. "She brings enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport to this team and will help us climb the ladder in the MAC."

As a student-athlete, the Athens, OH native spent four years as a member of the women's swimming and diving team at Ohio, helping her squad win the MAC Championship during her freshman season.

Kostival swam in the 200, 500 and 1650-meter freestyle during her time with the Bobcats and was selected to the Academic All-MAC team following her junior season. Kostival then capped off her collegiate career by being named Most Improved Swimmer following her senior year.

Kostival received her bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Ohio, as well as her master's degree in coaching education.

"I am excited to have been given the opportunity to be part of this program," said Kostival. "The enthusiasm I have seen so far has me excited for the future."