Jay Daniels enters his fifth season as head coach of the University of Puget Sound men’s and women’s swimming programs in 2026-27, bringing dynamic leadership and a proven track record to the Northwest Conference (NWC).
The program reached new heights during the 2025-26 season, as both the men's and women's programs finished second at the Northwest Conference Championships. A total of 21 Loggers earned All-Conference honors between the first and second teams based on their podium finishes. The year included several weekly honors, including both Lelia Ollenburg and Anderson Bennett. Bennett led the way as the NWC Rookie of the meet, winning the 100 breaststroke and breaking a meet record that had been in place since 2016.
The men's 200 freestyle relay also broke a program record with a time of 1:22.42 to take second, while Sam Lyon won the 500 freestyle at confernce and was named NWC Athlete of the Week three times during the season. Other top performances included senior Maddy Brennan taking second in the 100 butterfly and women's 200 freestyle relay taking third, rounding out a record-breaking year for the program and Coach Daniels.
Since joining Puget Sound in May 2022, Daniels has pushed the Logger swimming programs forward, fostering a culture of competitive excellence and student-athlete development. Each year under his leadership, a Puget Sound first-year has won an NWC title, with Sam Lyon named the 2025 NWC Newcomer of the Year for his standout performances in the 500-yard freestyle, 100-yard butterfly and 200-yard butterfly events. Daniels’ recruiting prowess and coaching acumen have elevated the Loggers’ profile, building on the legacy of Hall of Fame predecessors Chris Myhre and Don Duncan.
Daniels’ impact is evident in the team’s All-NWC accolades: five swimmers earned All-NWC honors in 2023, seven in 2024, and six in 2025, reflecting consistent growth. In 2024, the men’s team secured a first-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay (1:32.79) at the NWC Championships, with Will Cabana, Lance Mielke, Cam Aaselund, and Emory Burden setting the tone. That same year, Maddy Brennan broke the school record in the 100-yard butterfly (56.76), earning second place, while Sara Guillen took second in the 200-yard freestyle (1:54.80). Daniels’ strategic recruiting has attracted talent like Lyon, whose 2025 All-NWC recognition continues the program’s streak of standout newcomers, following honorees like Cabana (2024) and Brennan (2023).
Before Puget Sound, Daniels spent six years as head coach at Kalamazoo College, where his teams earned five All-American accolades and set four school records. He previously served as an assistant coach at Kalamazoo and SUNY New Paltz, honing his ability to develop swimmers at the NCAA Division III level. His experience across these programs informs his approach, blending rigorous training with a focus on academic-athletic balance, tailored to Puget Sound’s liberal arts mission. Daniels’ recruiting leverages the university’s academic prestige and Tacoma’s vibrant community, attracting student-athletes who excel in and out of the pool.
A Kalamazoo alum, Daniels brings a personal connection to Division III athletics, emphasizing mentorship and resilience. His leadership has fostered a tight-knit team culture. His vision, rooted in competitive drive, community, and holistic development positions Puget Sound swimming for sustained success, preparing student-athletes for excellence in competition and life.
