FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2025
Olympic Legend Matt Biondi Named Head Coach of Redding Swim Team
Redding, CA — The Redding Swim Team is proud to announce Olympic gold medalist
and International Swimming Hall of Fame inductee Matt Biondi is joining the team as its new Head Coach and General Manager.
One of the most decorated swimmers in history, Biondi brings an unparalleled legacy of excellence, leadership,
and mentorship to Redding. Over his illustrious athletic career, Biondi earned 11 Olympic medals—8 gold, 2
silver, and 1 bronze—and set 15 World Records. He is widely recognized not only for his achievements in the
pool but also for his dedication to the development of young athletes.
“We are honored to welcome Coach Matt to our swim family,” said Redding Swim Team Board president,
Jennifer Scarborough Haslerud. “His experience, values, and vision are a perfect fit for our mission to cultivate
both competitive excellence and character in our swimmers.”
Biondi will also act as the head swimming and diving coach for Shasta College – offering area swimmers the
opportunity build excellence from elementary years all the way through college.
Biondi’s coaching and teaching resume spans more than two decades. He has served as math teacher and a head
coach at both middle and high school levels in California and Hawaii, and most recently as the assistant swim
coach at Agoura High School. He also has extensive experience in motivational speaking and has also worked
as a swim analyst for a variety of outlets during the summer Olympic Games.
“I’ve always believed that swimming can be a powerful tool for building confidence and community,” said
Biondi. “Joining the Redding Swim Team gives me an opportunity to continue that mission and help young
people grow into their best selves—both in and out of the water.”
In recent years, Biondi has remained deeply engaged in the swimming community, including his work with the
International Swimmers’ Alliance advocating for athlete rights. He also founded the Matt Biondi Classic
Masters Meet, an annual fundraiser supporting aquatic programs in California.
As he relocates to Northern California—an area he has visited for decades, Biondi looks forward to bringing his
passion and championship mindset to a new generation of swimmers in Redding
Coach Matt will be on deck for the Redding Swim Team “Rumble by the River” at the Redding Aquatic Center
June 20 th -21 st for anyone who would like to say hello!
Biondi replaces long-time coach Mark Wagner, who retired after coaching the team for nearly 29 years. “The
team is grateful for the years Coach Mark dedicated to swimming in the Northstate.” Haslerud said. “We look
forward to Coach Matt and the rest of our coaching team continuing that incredible legacy into the future.”
Getting involved with swimming offers your children a lifetime of fitness, safety and FUN. If you would like to
get your children involved in the fantastic, healthy and supportive local swim community you can give our
Summer Ducks Race Team program a try! It’s been a Shasta County summer tradition for generations!
Registration is still open. Visit www.ReddingSwimTeam.org to join.
For media availability, email Jennifer Scarborough at [email protected] or call (530) 945-9491.
