Kean University Coach Chris Swenson Has Returned to Roots for Summer Campaign
With a wry smile and a chuckle, Chris Swenson pointed to his right. In an instant, memories took him back almost 30 years, to the days in the late 1980s when he was a kid running around Willow Grove Swim Club. The spot to which he pointed? Where Swenson was presented with ribbons and medals for his early racing exploits at WGSC, located in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
The sport of swimming has long been part of Swenson’s life, first as an athlete and now as a coach at multiple levels. Most notably, Swenson is the head coach of the women’s program at Kean University, which he has developed into a nationally ranked program at the Division III level.
But this summer, on a volunteer basis, Swenson has returned to his roots. Every day, he can be found on the deck at Willow Grove, serving once again as the club’s head coach. It’s a role he first held from 2001-06, following one season as an assistant. This time around, Swenson is all about giving back, and instilling the joy swimming has brought him to the youngsters scooting around the property as he once did.
“This place gave me my start in coaching 25 years ago,” Swenson said in a recent interview with Swimming World. “I miss a lot of time during the year with my kids, so when the opportunity was presented to me, it was a chance to give back to a place that has meant so much to me, and a chance to spend time with my own kids as they enjoy the sport.”
To say Swenson is closely connected to Willow Grove would be an understatement. His grandparents were founding club members in 1958 and countless summer memories have been compiled through the years – whether splashing around for fun or racing in summer-league meets. More, Norm Swenson – Chris’ father – was the president of Willow Grove until two years ago, and led a rejuvenation of the club in the mid-2010s when it appeared closure was a distinct possibility.
Courtesy: John Lohn
These days, Willow Grove is booming. It features a tight-knit community and joyous atmosphere. There is a lengthy waiting list for membership and multiple events have become can’t-miss gatherings for families. As for the swim team, an energy can be felt at practices and meets, with Swenson guiding the way.
A product of Rowan University, Swenson served as a graduate assistant at his alma mater from 2006-08. Stints at St. Peter’s, Notre Dame and Princeton followed, until he took command of the women’s program at Kean ahead of the 2018-19 campaign. There was immediate success with the Cougars, including 19 school records in his first season.
That initial impact by Swenson was a harbinger of things to come, as Kean has consistently risen up the Division III ladder. The school’s record board has required regular updates and the program won the New Jersey Athletic Conference title in the 2022-23 season, a year that also featured an undefeated dual-meet season and Swenson being named NJAC Coach of the Year.
This past season, the Cougars went 13-1-1 and established 43 school records. Additionally, Braelyn Wilson qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships, where she finished sixth in the 100 backstroke.
Obviously, Swenson has built a winning culture at Kean. Yet, he has never lost sight of his roots and the influences that have allowed him to enjoy a career in the sport. Willow Grove Swim Club has been one of those influences.
Approached by the club about taking the coaching reins, Swenson jumped at the opportunity. He also declined a salary. Instead, those funds were invested into training equipment such as fins and kickboards.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have Chris Swenson coaching at Willow Grove,” said Alex Taner, the President of the club. “Instead of taking a break from his coaching role at Kean University, he gives his time, heart, and expertise back to the club he grew up in – and it shows.
“Our swimmers thrive under his guidance, and our junior coaches gain a mentor. We’re grateful for the time, dedication and strength he brings to our deck each day.”
Courtesy: John Lohn
Swenson has implemented a structured approach to his practices, where Abby Noriega, Elaina Yick and Alex Holston serve as assistants. Consistency and organization stand out as his calling cards and, on three occasions, Swenson has hosted Sunday-morning clinics designed to emphasize specific strokes, starts, turns and breakouts. During those clinics, members of his Kean University team have operated stations.
Swenson’s interactions with team members can be defined as fun-filled, and the coach even fulfilled a promise by taking an ice-bucket dousing one morning. Not surprising, coaching his kids – Claire (9), Henry (7) and Mae (7) – has been a highlight.
“This has been the most enjoyable summer I’ve had in quite some time,” Swenson said. “When you work with a variety of levels in a summer league setting, you see kids who just love swimming and kids with potential for college, and everything in between. We have a responsibility where we can impact the future of the sport, and show that there’s something for everyone. I show up, see smiles and am out in the fresh air. It’s nice to be part of.”
Soon, the summer season will be over, and Swenson will guide his Kean athletes into their next season. He’ll shift into that campaign with more memories from Willow Grove.
“I’ve really enjoyed this,” Swenson said. “This is a special place in my life.”
