CollegeSwimming has named Harvey Humphries of the University of Georgia and Chris Carter of William and Mary the Assistant Coach of the Year in the Established/Career and Rising categories.
Humphries has been Georgia’s Assistant/Sr. Associate Head Coach for over 30 years. He is one of the longest tenured and most successful assistants in the sport. He has coached a plethora of All-Americans and NCAA championships and has been vital to the success of the Bulldog program.
Candidates were evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
- Contribution to team’s success
- Commitment to development of successful students and athletes
- Service to the swimming community both locally and nationally
- Commitment to the coaching profession and professional development
Head Coach Bauerle's Statement:
Harvey Humphries and I have been together in some form or another for over 40 years, more than 30 of it as my assistant/Sr. Associate Head Coach. To say that Harvey was instrumental in our success here at Georgia would be an understatement. Harvey is totally committed to our program and to the student athletes that are currently on and have come through the program. He is a tireless coach and recruiter and his success as a distance coach is unmatched. He has had numerous NCAA champions and countless All-Americans who have achieved as much recognition in the classroom as in the pool. Harvey has taken numerous trips with the US National Team as part of their coaching staff and is the consummate team player in any and all roles he is involved.
Harvey is and always has been the person that I can trust on in any situation to find the perfect solution to any issue from training ideas to team strategy. Harvey’s love and dedication to the sport is apparent on a daily basis not only here in Georgia but in other places as well, as shown by his induction into the Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame.
Harvey is an incredible coach, person and friend who has achieved success at the highest level, all while keeping the right priorities at the forefront in everything he does. It has been an honor to have him at my side for all these years and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than he.
From Brittany MacLean
When I was looking at NCAA teams entering the recruiting process, I wanted a coach that seemed interested and passionate about what they do. I never could’ve dreamed that I would end up getting the opportunity to work under the best there is. Harvey Humphries is the most incredible coach and person. He loves his job more than anyone, showing up every single day (even before 5 in the morning) with the biggest grin from ear to ear and with such enthusiasm towards all of his swimmers.
He cares so much about us as individuals and most importantly the people we are capable of being outside of the pool. I have never once felt pressure to perform, just support when I am struggling and excitement when I succeed. He is the nicest man I have ever met, and he is incredibly knowledgeable about swimming. The greatest feeling as I step on the blocks is knowing that he is proud of me no matter what and he has prepared me in the best way possible. His style of training is amazing because I feel like everything we do has purpose. If we show up every day willing to give 100%, he will dedicate the entire session to helping us reach our full potential. Although already so full of knowledge, Harvey is always willing to learn new things and develop to best suit each individual athlete. The results don’t lie; as he has lead a team to 3 NCAA wins in the last 4 years.
Harvey has touched everyone whose path he has crossed, and meeting people in Athens has made me realize his true impact on individuals. As a coach to the Athens Bulldogs swimmers as well, Harvey has such a community passion and interest in instilling teamwork and determination from a young age.
As an international athlete myself, Harvey has gone above and beyond to accommodate my needs and support me abroad. He has travelled across the continent multiple times to watch me compete, never because it was needed but simply to be there for encouragement and reassurance.
Our academic success and future ambitions are always at the top of Harvey’s priorities. He has taught me that being able to excel in the classroom will impact the work I am able to do in the pool, and what we learn at school and the relationships we make are crucial for helping us achieve our potential and make a difference towards others.
Harvey has definitely been the biggest influence for my swimming career and I couldn’t be more grateful to have the opportunity to swim for him. He molded me into the athlete I am today, and I admire his love for the sport so much. I know for the rest of my life I will strive to be a better person in order to make that man proud.
Harvey is one of the most humble people I know and it’s about time he receives the recognition he deserves.
This year marked the first year a popular vote was included in the award nominations. The votes themselves were counted for one third of the selection process, with a committee and the organizers of CollegeSwimming.com making up the other two. Once finalists were selected in each category, a twitter poll was run for four days. The response was impressive; both polls received over 1,200 votes. It was a fantastic showing for all of the finalists.
CollegeSwimming also recognized three other finalists for the etablished category. They included Alicia Hicken-Franklin of Denver University. Hicken-Franklin won the public voting for the award. Also recognized are Jennifer Betz from the University of Kansas and Marc Christian who is now at the University of Pittsburgh.
