May 25, 2005

BOSTON - University of Virginia head assistant swimming coach Bill Smyth has been named the head coach of the Boston University men's and women's swimming teams as announced by Boston University Director of Athletics Mike Lynch Wednesday (May 25). Smyth, an All-American swimmer at UVa, has served as an assistant coach on Mark Bernardino's staff the past eight years.

"It will be an honor to be working at Boston University. The people I met during the interview process were the deciding factor," said Smyth. "With the new pool at the Fitness and Recreation Center, Boston University and the athletic department have taken a major step in their commitment to excellence, not just in the America East Conference but on the national level as well."

"The past eight years at UVa have been a dream come true thanks to Mark Bernardino and the Virginia Swimming family," said Smyth. "I am honored to have played a role in the success of Virginia Swimming over the past eight years and will continue to do what I can to help the fine tradition that we have established, albeit in a different capacity. It was truly a pleasure to coach such a fine group of young men and women, and although I will miss them deeply, I am confident that they will continue to grow as swimmers and as people."

"We are very excited that Bill Smyth, a world class coach and competitor, will be joining the Boston University athletic family," Lynch said in making the announcement. "This is another step forward for Terrier Athletics. We are confident that Bill will bring the expertise and guidance to lead our men's and women's swimming programs to the next level."

During the 2004-05 season, the Virginia men's team won its school-record seventh consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference title and finished 13th overall at the NCAAs. Smyth, a native of Norristown, Pa., coached a pair of swimmers who earned first-team All-America honors. In addition, the women's team was second at the ACC meet after winning the team title the previous two years.

A 1994 University of Virginia graduate with a degree in psychology, Smyth specialized in the 400 individual medley. He is a five-time All-American and won six ACC individual titles, including four in the 400 individual medley. Smyth set the school and ACC records in the 400 individual medley in 1994 with a time of 3:47.98, which stood until the 2002 ACC Championships. Smyth was selected to the ACC 50th Anniversary Men's Swimming and Diving Team in August of 2002. He was a finalist at the 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 400 IM, placing fifth. Smyth was also a finalist at USA National meets several times.

"Bill Smyth is to be thanked and commended for his outstanding contributions to Virginia swimming and diving and the lives of the student-athletes," said Bernardino, who just completed his 27th season as UVa's head swimming and diving coach. "He is one of the premier distance coaches in America and has been widely regarded in collegiate swimming circles as one of the top assistant coaches in Division I swimming. His many contributions as a student-athlete and coach at his alma mater speak for themselves and Boston University is fortunate to have placed their faith and fortunes in such capable hands.

"For certain, Bill will continue to bring energy, vitality and creativity to his team on a daily basis. He will be missed as a friend and colleague, but is well-prepared and ready for the next step in his coaching journey."