Ben Higson secures Swim Ireland National Coach position

The University of Stirling's High Performance Swimming Coach, Ben Higson, has announced his decision to leave his position at the University to take up the role as National Senior Team Head Coach and Head Coach of the National Centre (Dublin) for Swim Ireland. Higson has been in the position since the 2013/14 season and coached a number of athletes to World, Olympic and Commonwealth success during that time.

Scottish Swimming Performance Director, Ally Whike commented

Ben has been an integral part of the development of the University of Stirling Performance Swimming Programme alongside his colleague Steven Tigg and has had a tremendously positive influence, helping to build and implement a quality coaching programme that delivered success at the very top level of our sport. The University in partnership with Scottish Swimming will ensure that the high quality coaching programme offered at Stirling will continue with minimal disruption. Scottish Swimming is grateful for the contribution that Ben has made to the sport in Scotland over the past years and leaves with our best wishes for the future.

Cathy Gallagher, Director of Sport at the University of Stirling, commented

We recognise that Ben’s significant contribution to swimming at Stirling, and to Scottish Swimming, has led to this opportunity and we wish him well as he takes this next step in his career. The University of Stirling in partnership with Scottish Swimming is already working on a succession plan to ensure the highest level of continuity for our athletes and will consolidate this before commencing a worldwide recruitment process.

Steven Tigg and Brad Hay continue to be an integral part of the programme and we remain committed to the delivery of world class coaching and the development of elite swimming at the University of Stirling.