Juniata Tabs Katie Ruff As New Swimming Coach

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - Katie Ruff, a former all-conference swimmer at both the Division I and Division III levels, has been named head women's swimming coach at Juniata College. Ruff will begin her duties effective immediately.

"Katie's background as a student-athlete and a coach put her right in our wheelhouse for what we look for at Juniata," said Larry Bock, athletics director at Juniata College. "She demonstrated with her excitement and knowledge during the interview process that she is absolutely the right person at the right time. We are all very excited about having her join the Juniata athletics department, and believe she will continue build on the success the swimming program has enjoyed in recent seasons."

Ruff brings nearly 10 years of coaching experience to the position, including one season as the graduate assistant swim coach at the University of Wyoming. She has worked primarily as a coach of club swimming programs, most recently as head coach of the USA Swimming-affiliated Buffalo Swim Club for the past two seasons. Ruff has held seven positions during her career in which she has served as either a swim coach or offered lessons as a swim instructor.

Katie (Kennedy) Ruff began her coaching career as the head swim coach at Rockbridge County High School in Lexington, Va. after a successful career as a collegiate swimmer at Washington & Lee University. Kennedy Ruff was the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Swimmer of the Year in 2000, and was a provisional NCAA qualifier in the breaststroke that season. She earned First team, All-ODAC honors twice during her career, and held the ODAC record in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. She was also a member of the conference record-holding 400 medley relay team, and she still holds W&L records in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. Kennedy Ruff began her collegiate career at the United States Naval Academy, where in her one season swimming for the Midshipmen she was a Second team, All-Patriot League performer in the 200 Breaststroke.

A native of Delran, N.J., Ruff earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Washington & Lee University, and completed a Master of Science degree in kinesiology and health in 2003 at the University of Wyoming.

Ruff replaces Brian McGrath, who guided the Eagle women's swimming program for four seasons before stepping down at the conclusion of the 2006-07 season.