ASU Strengthens Swimming Program with New Coaching Staff

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Swimmers at ASU train hard while being guided by their experienced coaching staff.

News Summary

Arizona State University has announced the hiring of alumni Jack Little and Daniel Matheson as assistant coaches for the swimming program. This strategic move aims to enhance the team’s performance following their successes in the Pac-12 and Big 12 competitions. Matheson, a former Big 12 champion, and Little, who has coaching experience at the University of Tennessee, join head coach Herbie Behm, who is focused on building a culture of adaptability and teamwork within the program. The additions demonstrate ASU’s commitment to fostering talent and competitive success in swimming.

Tempe, Arizona – Arizona State University (ASU) has bolstered its swimming program with the recent hiring of alumni Jack Little and Daniel Matheson as assistant coaches under head coach Herbie Behm. Both coaches are part of ASU’s strategy to enhance the team’s performance after its successful tenure in the Pac-12 and recent competitions in the Big 12.

Daniel Matheson recently wrapped up his competitive swimming career at ASU, finishing in the spring of 2025. During his time with the Sun Devils, Matheson was instrumental in the team’s campaign for the 2024 national championships. He achieved significant milestones, including becoming a Big 12 champion in both the 1,650 freestyle and 500 freestyle, marking the first time ASU secured titles in these events within the conference. Matheson concluded his swimming career with six All-American titles and made podium appearances in six events during ASU’s back-to-back Pac-12 titles in 2023 and 2024.

The Peoria, Arizona native also made waves at the international level, competing in the 2024 World Short-Course Championships, where he finished 10th in the 800 freestyle and 11th in the 1,500 freestyle. Matheson showcased exceptional talent during the Olympic Trials, reaching the finals in the 400, 800, and 1,500 freestyle events. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business, emphasizing sports business in May 2025.

Jack Little, who swam at ASU from 2018 to 2022, is another addition to the coaching staff. Little qualified for the Pac-12 Championships twice during his collegiate career and was part of the team that finished third in the 2022 championships. He earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2022 and subsequently completed a graduate transfer year at the University of Tennessee. There, he obtained a master’s degree in exercise physiology while also coaching at the club team, Tennessee Aquatics.

These coaching appointments come as ASU looks to maintain momentum under head coach Herbie Behm, who previously served as associate head coach and has brought a wealth of experience to the program. Behm, who held the position of assistant sprint coach at the University of Utah from 2016 to 2018 and coached the Phoenix Swim Club from 2014 to 2016, has successfully guided ASU athletes to achieve ten individual NCAA titles and two NCAA relay titles. His recent promotion to head coach was effective in April 2024, following the departure of Bob Bowman, who played a pivotal role in revitalizing ASU swimming since 2015.

Under Behm’s leadership, the team has emphasized a culture of adaptability and teamwork, building on the solid foundation laid by Bowman. Additionally, Behm has earned recognition as a three-time scholar-athlete award winner at ASU and a nine-time NISCA All-American. The integration of Little and Matheson into the coaching team represents not only a commitment to leveraging the expertise of former athletes but also a strategic move in strengthening the program as they look forward to upcoming seasons.

The hiring of these assistant coaches reflects ASU’s dedication to enhancing its swimming program in a competitive landscape, aiming for continued success in both conference and national competitions. With experienced swimmers stepping into coaching roles, the program is poised for a promising future as they prepare for the challenges ahead.