Five Questions with Erin Hurley
Erin Hurley, associate professor of physical education, spent 28 years as head coach of Grinnell’s swimming and diving teams before retiring from that role at the end of the 2022– 23 season. Over that time, Hurley experienced unparalleled success, leading Grinnell to 39 Midwest Conference titles (21 on the women’s side and 18 in the men’s division). Among many other accolades, she was named MWC Coach of the Year 21 times, including 12 in the men’s division, five in the women’s class, and four overall honors. She coached 264 conference champions, 23 MWC Swimmers of the Year, and 21 All-Americans, as well as a national champion. She assisted the department’s administrative team in the year following her departure as coach and today remains an active part of the Grinnell community, where she continues to teach. She graciously agreed to take some time from her busy schedule to answer a few questions about her life and career.
Q: Is it possible to pick one particularly memorable moment that stands out over your career as head coach?
A: One that keeps coming back to me was after the women’s team had won the MWC championships for several years and this particular year the predictions looked like another team had the edge. The part that was so significant was that even though the numbers didn’t add up to a win for Grinnell, the team competed and focused like they were champions. From their physical performances to their attitudes and congratulatory messages to the winning team, they demonstrated tremendous class, sportsmanship, and unity. To me, this was the epitome of what competition can bring forward.
Q: Tell us a little about your current activities at Grinnell. What are you teaching and how are you continuing to contribute to Grinnell athletics?
A: Since my retirement from coaching, I have taught two sections of Tutorial and also was a member of the administrative team in the athletic department. Currently, I am supporting Grinnell athletics from the stands.
Q: In 2021, Mike Daley ’72 and his wife, Maureen Murphy, started the Daley Swim and Dive Diversity and Inclusion Fund to increase the number of Grinnell student-athletes on the team from underrepresented groups. What actions have been taken since then to bolster diversity, and how has the fund been important for making progress in that area?
A: The fund has been extremely important to the work the men’s and women’s swim/diving team has been doing over the past four years. We have participated in team workshops with outside consultants; the team created an anti-racism action plan; and Matt Hedman, the current coach, has been working on training for the coaching staff as well as recruiting in cities we have not been to in the past. Having this support has not only created educational opportunities, but also highlighted an important focus for the program.
Q: How can alumni of the College, particularly former student-athletes, support the athletic department’s current student-athletes, coaches, and staff?
A: I truly believe the best way to support the current team is to stay engaged. We’ve had numerous connections with swim/dive alums that have provided current team members with internships, career connections, travel stops, and opening up to the greater network of the large sea of GC alumni. Our alums invest in our students in priceless ways.
Q: What do you foresee in the future for Grinnell swimming and diving, and what are your plans for the future?
A: I think the program is in very good hands and the team will continue to evaluate and reflect on their values. This will help ensure they continue to move forward in a positive direction. Personally, I plan to do some traveling, spend time outdoors, and connect with family and friends!