WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – With a history as a program-builder in the NAIA, Kelly Essler is set to take over the reins of the Lycoming College swimming program, Director of Athletics Mike Clark announced on Friday, Aug. 23.
 
"I would like to thank President Kent Trachte and Athletic Director Mike Clark for giving me the opportunity to lead the Lycoming College men and women's swimming program," Essler said. "I am excited for the opportunity to grow the team into a prestigious one in the Landmark Conference. I have had many administrators, faculty and coaching friends who have helped me get to this stage in my coaching career, as well as many student-athletes who have helped me grow along the way. I am excited to see new life and passion being brought to this team, and look forward to building a successful culture that can carry on the great legacy that is Warrior swimming."
 
A seven-time conference coach of the year, Essler comes to Lycoming after a season as an assistant coach at the Patriot League's Bucknell University, where she helped bring in a 12-member recruiting class in 2024 and helped the men's and women's team finish fourth at the Patriot League Championships and the women to a second place at the ECAC Championships.
 
"Kelly is a rising star in the college swimming world," Clark said. "Her success at Olivet Nazarene, Milligan and Bucknell really speaks for itself. She has an outgoing personality that our student-athletes are going to love and her competitiveness is second to none. We are excited to see the work that she can do at Lycoming."
 
Essler was the head coach of the Olivet Nazarene University men's and women's swimming & diving teams from 2019-23. She guided the Tigers to a combined six Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference titles, earned at least one KCAC Coach of the Year recognition each year, and led the women's program to two third-place finishes at the NAIA National Championships. She coached five KCAC Swimmers of the Year during her time at ONU, including Karla Islas, who captured national titles in the 400 IM and 1650 freestyle in 2020. She coached her swimmers to 70 individual NAIA All-American honors along with 26 NAIA All-American relay teams.
 
Essler began her tenure coaching with a five-year stint at alma mater, Milligan College, serving as head coach from 2016-19. She found instant success with the Buffaloes, as her teams had two national finalists during her first season. She was named Appalachian Athletic Conference Women's Coach of the Year in 2017-18.
 
Essler set five school records during her career at Milligan and competed in seven different races at the NAIA National Championships in 2010. A native of Las Vegas, she was part of the Nevada state champions in the 200-yard medley relay in 2010.
 
She is also a cyclist and represented Team USA on the World Championship Triathlon team in Switzerland in 2019. A Full and Half Ironman finisher, she has also finished three ultra-marathons.
 
Essler, who resides in Shamokin Dam with husband, Peter, earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Milligan in 2014.
 
What they are saying about Coach Kelly…
"Unfortunately, I only got to spend one year with Coach Kelly. Fortunately, that year was a wonderful learning experience with her. I was fortunate enough to become very close with Kelly. Her parents are extremely nice people and so is her husband. From day one, she made an immediate impact on the pool deck and also in all of our personal lives. While she was a phenomenal coach, I think what most of us will miss the most is her overall energy out of the pool. I can not stress how good of a coach Lycoming is getting, but more importantly a great person as well, and a lifelong friend." 
- Shane Wynne, Bucknell University Men's Swimming, 2023-Present

"Kelly is a tough but extremely caring and devoted coach. She consistently does her research and introduces new workouts to boost our performance in the water. She provides direct and constructive feedback so we can improve. Kelly is also a great cheerleader. She energetically supports us on the sidelines and gives us the motivation we need to succeed. Her dedication and innovative approach to coaching make her an exceptional swim coach, committed to the success of the team."
- Chris Kopac, Bucknell University Men's Swimming, 2022-Present

"Coach Kelly is deeply committed to her athletes, not just in the pool, but in every aspect of their lives. While many coaches focus solely on athletic performance, Kelly goes above and beyond, dedicating extra time and effort to help her athletes grow both mentally and personally. Her passion for making a positive impact shines through in her genuine care and the unique, engaging training methods she develops. With her extensive knowledge of the sport, Kelly creates a supportive environment where athletes can thrive, both in their sport and in life."
- Will Hedges, Bucknell University Men's Swimming, 2022-Present

"Coach Kelly is an incredible coach and person. Her loud, positive personality creates a team culture filled with hard work and encouragement. Coach Kelly's experiences and vast knowledge of swimming are displayed through her creative practices. She constantly implements new drills and fun exercises with a strong desire for improvement. Under Coach Kelly, swimmers will be challenged both in physical health and their mental grit. She models a growth mindset that inspires teamwork, a positive attitude, and hard work."
- Aubrey Velzen, Olivet Nazarene University Women's Swimming, 2022-Present