Along with the usual new recruits, the UCLA swim team received a
special addition to its roster this summer with the hiring of
assistant coach Erika Hansen.
A two-time Olympian and four-time national champion, with seven
years of collegiate coaching experience, Hansen joins UCLA as a
seasoned addition to the Bruin swim staff.
“The team loves her,” Gallagher said. “It was
a good move to bring her to the team and we’re very lucky to
have her.”
Starting June 1, Hansen took over the reigns from former
assistant coach Greg Meehan, who left the Bruins for a head
coaching position at the University of the Pacific.
After only two months, and with her years of experience to help
her out, Hansen has already made a strong impression on the
swimmers, as well as coach Cyndi Gallagher.
“She has a wealth of experience to add to the team,”
Gallagher said. “The team atmosphere is very positive as
they’ve responded well to Erika.”
Hansen, who was a member of the U.S. Olympic teams in 1988 and
1992, jumped at the opportunity to work alongside Gallagher in the
beautiful Southern California environment.
“I have always respected Cyndi for her balance,”
Hansen said. “She teaches her athletes how to succeed; not
just in swimming but in life after college. Once these girls leave
UCLA, they are prepared for what lies ahead.”
Along with the appeal of working with Gallagher, Hansen noted
her good fortune and the atmosphere of Bruin athletics as major
factors in her move to Westwood.
“I’m very lucky to have been chosen,” Hansen
said. “UCLA is a great environment with a lot of pride, and
the athletes have a great desire to become better.”
Thus far, Gallagher and Hansen have meshed together to produce
positive results for the swimmers spending the summer in Westwood
to train.
“Our new coach is awesome,” senior Eileen Seissen
said. “She’s fun and the system she and Cyndi have is
working very well right now.”
Like many coaches, Hansen has a road filled with challenges
ahead, but she is positive.
“These athletes are willing to change, and it is very
tough to do that at this stage in a career,” Hansen said.
“I love it here.”