Nov. 5, 2008
COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M women's swimming coach Steve Bultman has been named the women's head coach for the United States' 2009 World University Games team, USA Swimming announced this past week.
"I'm honored to have been selected to help lead our country's women's team at the World University Games," Bultman said. "It's always fun, exciting, and motivating to be around fast swimming and it's extra special knowing that some of our own girls will be on the team as well."
Senior Kristen Heiss (Casper, Wyo.) and junior Emily Neal (Plano) earned spots on the U.S. team thanks to their performances at the U.S. Open in August.
This marks the second time that Bultman has been named the U.S. women's head coach for the World University Games. He was named to the same position in 2001 when the competition was held in Beijing, China. Bultman has also served as a U.S. assistant coach at the 1988 Olympics and was an Estonian assistant coach at the 2008 Olympics this past August.
"Coaching at the international level is always a great experience," Bultman said. "Seeing four of our girls compete at the Olympics this year was a really neat thing to witness. I look forward to coaching the U.S. team and continuing to see our girls qualify for teams such as this one."
University of Tennessee women's head coach Matt Kredich and UC-Santa Barbara head coach Gregg Wilson will serve as Bultman's assistant coaches on the U.S. women's team.
"The coaches who work with our young athletes at the World University Games and Junior Pan Pacifics, play an integral role in the development of USA Swimming's most outstanding young talent," said Mark Schubert, USA Swimming's National Team head coach and general manager. "By putting experienced and successful coaches in key roles with our young teams, we are providing the athletes with the best possible foundation for their continued international success."
The World University Games will take place July 5-11 in Belgrade, Serbia.