Diane MacWilliams joined the Golden Knights as an assistant diving coach for the upcoming 2022-23 season. MacWilliams brings a wealth of experience to the staff and has served as a diving coach at Fairview High School since November of 2007.
She began her coaching career as a gymnastics coach at the Lakettes Gymnastics Academy for 14 years (1994-2008) and added responsibilities as a diving coach at North East High School for a six-season stint from October of 2001 to March of 2007. MacWilliams also transitioned to collegiate coaching during this span, becoming a diving coach at Mercyhurst North East College for the 2004-05 season.
"I am very excited for the opportunity to coach at the collegiate level again," said MacWilliams. "It is especially meaningful to be able to coach at my alma mater. I'm looking forward to working with the Gannon coaching staff and athletes."
MacWilliams earned a bachelor's degree in Pre-Med/Biology in December of 1996 from Gannon's Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences and added a master's degree of education: curriculum and instruction in May of 2007. She acquired a second master's degree in August of 2012 in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Florida and currently works as both a high school science teacher (at McDowell Intermediate High School since August of 2007) and an adjunct anatomy & physiology professor (at Gannon) since August of 2011.
'I'm excited to have Coach Mac join the swimming and diving program this season," said men's and women's swimming and diving head coach
Jacqueline Michalski. "Her passion for the sport of diving and commitment to student development and the learning experience will only strengthen our swimming and diving programs. As an alumni of Gannon University, she knows the value of a Gannon education and will be a great addition to our staff."
MacWilliams is a member of the National Education Association and the Millcreek Education Association. Additionally, MacWilliams holds memberships in the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the National Association of Biology Teachers, the National Center for Case Study Teaching, the National Science Teachers Association, and the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. In 2019, she was named the National Association of Biology Teachers Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year for Pennsylvania.
