Lauren Hancock has joined the Auburn swimming and diving staff as the program’s associate women’s head coach, head coach Brett Hawke announced on Wednesday.
Hancock joins the Auburn staff after serving as the head coach at Conejo Simi Swim Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif., since 2010. During her tenure, she trained three U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers, seven U.S. National qualifiers and 13 U.S. Junior Nationals qualifiers.
“We were all very impressed with Lauren's attention to detail and quick connection with the team and staff," Hawke said. "We're excited to incorporate her head coaching experience within the women's team and middle distance group while infusing her infectious spirit throughout the entire program. She has had a profound impact within the swimming community on the West Coast and I'm looking forward to her bringing that influence to Auburn.”
During her time with the club, Hancock oversaw 11 assistants and three different training sites. Conejo Simi Swim Club also earned a Silver Medal designation from USA Swimming in 2015 while the club was recognized with Bronze Medal designation in 2014.
“My time at Conejo Simi was invaluable to my growth and development as a coach and person. I was spoiled with support, belief, trust and love from staff, parents and certainly the kids,” Hancock said. “We built a foundation for continued success and I immediately connected with Auburn's commitment to a tradition of continued success. I was impressed by the resources, and the quality of spirit in the Auburn student-athletes. I am thrilled and honored to have been given this opportunity by Brett and his staff.”
Before taking over as head coach at Conejo Simi, Hancock served as the head age group coach from 2008-10, training multiple Junior Olympic qualifiers.
A four-year letterwinner at Duke, Hancock graduated in 2004 with a degree in sociology. She was a team captain for the Blue Devils during the 2003-04 season, setting school records in the 100 fly and 200 medley relay.
The Pendleton, S.C., native served as an assistant coach and the recruiting coordinator at Duke during the 2004-05 season. She also obtained a master’s degree in sports psychology from Tennessee while training for the 2008 Olympic Trials.
Hancock will have oversight of the women’s program while working with Auburn’s middle distance group.
