Jennifer Buffin, one of the most successful collegiate swimming coaches in the United States, has been named head coach of the Oregon State women's program, Beaver Vice President/Director of Athletics Todd Stansbury announced.
Buffin joins Beaver Nation from the University of Hawai'i where she served as the associate head men's and women's swimming and diving coach since 2006. The Rainbow Wahine and Rainbow Warriors captured two conference titles combined during her tenure.
"I want to thank Vice President/Director of Athletics Todd Stansbury, Deputy Athletics Director Marianne Vydra and the hiring committee for the honor to be the head coach at Oregon State," Buffin said. "The strong academics, community support and the department's commitment to developing each student-athlete for success beyond their college athletic experience is what drew me to OSU.
"My goal is to continue to strengthen the program on a local, conference and national level. I look forward to arriving in the `best college town in the Pac 12.' Go Beavs!"
The native of Virginia has a wealth of international experience to complement an impressive collegiate resume. She is part of the Philippine Olympic Team (since 2013) coaching contingent to Rio next month, adding to a career that includes serving on the staffs of four National Teams.
"What really stands out about Coach Buffin is her vision for our program," Stansbury said. "She has experience at all levels of competition, demonstrates a true understanding for student-athlete welfare and is a winner. I'm excited for her to join the OSU family and our strong stable of coaches, and look forward to her developing our program."
Her collegiate record includes 24 NCAA qualifiers, 102 conference champions, a two-time Olympian, and 301 first or second team all-league honorees. In addition, she has coached seven league MVPs, eight All-American scholars and 95 all-conference academic individuals.
"The OSU community is getting one of the best young coaches in America," former Hawai'i head coach Victor Wales said. "Jen has been the heart and soul of the Hawai'i program for many years. She has the drive, expertise and connections to get Oregon State into the Top 25."
Buffin began her coaching career at San Jose State in 2001, spending nearly four years as the Spartans' assistant coach. She was awarded a bachelor's of science degree in environmental science with a minor in biology from San Jose State in 2002.
Her experience also includes serving as a prep and club coach at the high school level, and as a 15-year competitive swimmer.
