The swim team is now training at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) under the direction of Coach Morgan Soulia following the resignation of its interim head coach and temporary shut down of its home pool.
Following the departure of Coach James Koval, assistant coach Vic Galati stepped in as interim head coach. Galati stepped down from the role on Oct. 6, and the athletic department quickly filled it with Soulia, becoming the team’s fifth coach in the last four years.
Shortly after Soulia began, the Athletic and Fitness Center (AFC) pool was closed for repairs. According to Assistant Director of Campus Services Scott Tatar, the repairs are expected to take four to six weeks – or until about Dec. 14 – and will address multiple issues. “The pool is currently being drained in order to be replastered,” Tatar said. “Over the years, the plaster has decayed. We had hoped to wait until the end of the semester to begin the work, but it became obvious a few weeks ago that repairs were necessary right away. In addition to the plaster, we are also installing a new heat exchanger, which will enable us to better control the water temperature.”
In the meantime, the team will continue to practice at CMU.
“The biggest challenge I foresee with swimming at CMU is having a consistent practice schedule and availability,” Soulia said. “Unfortunately, we are at the helm of their ability to provide lifeguards or have pool space open for us, and while we are extremely grateful to CMU and their staff, it definitely poses a challenge in our training plan.”
Despite not having a home facility, Soulia plans to try to keep team spirit high.
“It can definitely be challenging and morale-degrading to not be in our own pool and [having] an inconsistent practice schedule, but I just plan to keep the energy alive. Just because we are facing a formidable situation doesn’t mean we can’t work hard and have fun,” Soulia said.
Alayna Kercher ‘28 is among those athletes determined to stay optimistic during this time.
“Practicing at CMU is different because we are so used to our own pool, but change can be good,” Kercher said.
Co-captain Caleb Trainum ‘27 feels that a different facility will offer new perspective to the team.
“It’ll take some time to get used to, but I think this will give us something to strive for,” Trainum said. “I’m looking forward to PACs with our new coach and our new training program.”
Before becoming a Cougar, Soulia coached at Chartiers Valley High School and swam at University of Richmond in college.
“I am having a great time getting to know the kids and they have been, and continue to be, monumentally helpful in my transition,” Soulia said. “I told them when I arrived, I need them as much as they need me this year, and they’ve all done a wonderful job being patient and helpful as I’ve started to really get my feet on the ground.”
Soulia’s training has proved to be helpful, according to the team. CoCaptain Hannah Kane ‘26 believes that Soulia’s coaching style has been more interactive.
“Coach Morgan [Soulia] focuses a lot on technique and adds drills that will make us better and faster in the pool,” Kane said. “I’m used to being given a practice on the whiteboard and then independently doing it, but she watches closely and gives advice on technique and how to improve.”
Soulia plans to embody her coaching philosophy as she trains the Chlorine Cougars.
Soulia describes her philosophy as “loud, enthusiastic and lead[ing] with care and understanding,” she said. “I love swimming and coaching swimming. I want everyone to have a good time while we are working hard and working toward our goals.”