Dara Torres - Head Coach - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

Dara Torres

Title:
Head Coach
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Dara Torres, one of the most decorated Olympians in United States history, was announced as the head men's and women's swimming & diving coach at Boston College on June 18.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dara Torres as our new head swimming & diving coach," James said. "From the moment we met with Dara, it was evident that she was exactly the fit we were looking for to begin a fresh, new chapter of Boston College swimming & diving. Her record as a world-class competitor is historic and her ability to clearly articulate her vision as a coach and leader will allow our student-athletes to develop and excel in and out of the pool."

A six-time world record holder and 10-time American record holder throughout her competitive career, Torres' made five appearances in the Olympic games (1984, 1988, 1992, 2000, 2008), garnering a total of 12 medals - four gold, four silver, and four bronze. She made her first U.S. national team at age 14 and broke her first world record as a 15-year old in the 50-meter freestyle.

As a coach, Torres has helped coach and mentor swimmers of various ages and skill levels, while serving as an advocate in leadership roles for the sport.

“This is a full-circle moment for me," Torres said. "I’ve learned from great coaches at every point in my career. This opportunity to share what I’ve learned, in and out of the pool, and pass along technique, confidence, and support as part of the Boston College Athletics Department is a dream. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.“

Boasting an Olympic career that spanned 24 years, Torres represented the United States as a 17-year old at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. It culminated with her becoming the oldest female swimmer - at 41 years of age - to compete in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. In 2009, Torres earned a trio of major awards: the ESPY Award for Best Comeback, the Thurman Munson Award, given to New York City athletes for their achievements and humanitarian efforts, and the World Fair play Award for best sportsmanship at the Olympics.

Out of the pool, Torres is a N.Y. Times best-selling author, as her 2010 book Gold Medal Fitness reached No. 1 on the best sellers list. Her 2009 autobiography Age is Just a Number was also a mainstay on the N.Y. Times best sellers list. A fitness advocate, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur, model, and mother, Torres is a regular contributor on CBS Sports’ “We Need To Talk,” the first-ever all-female sports talk show that airs nationally, focusing on women’s perspective of sports.

Well versed in water safety education, Torres also serves as an Ambassador with the USA Swimming Foundation as well as the American chapter of Princess Charlene of Monaco’s Foundation, a global organization that strives to prevent drowning and to develop the education of children through the values of sport. She has also participated in multiple Swim Across America events to benefit cancer research.

A 1990 graduate of the University of Florida, Torres was a 28-time All-American and was named the 1988 SEC Female Athlete of the Year. She was inducted into the university's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

She was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2016 and the United States Olympic Committee's Hall of Fame in 2019 for her achievements and contributions to athletics.