Marian Clark is in her fifth season as the Director of Operations/Senior Assistant Coach for both the men's and women's swimming teams. This season marks the eighth year that Clark will work with both squads after serving as head coach of the women's team at Pitt for nine seasons (1993-2002). Her duties include facilitating all home meet operations, maintaining the budget, handling team travel and academics as well as coaching the distance group.
Clark began her coaching career as an assistant coach at Pitt after graduating from the university in 1988. She served as an assistant coach at both Florida State and Miami before being appointed to head the Pitt women's program in the summer of 1993. Her appreciation for the rewards and benefits intercollegiate athletics can provide for its participants is not lost in her coaching.
"I enjoyed my undergraduate years at Pitt," Clark said. "I learned not only how to set goals within a team structure, but also how to achieve them by working and interacting with team members. A team commitment is essential for success. Obviously, I want individuals to excel, but I also want them to bring the others on the team along with them."
Clark was a major contributor to four Big East Conference championships during her undergraduate years at Pitt. She won Big East titles in the 500 freestyle in 1986 and in the 400 individual medley in 1988.
Her teamwork concept was also on display when she swam for eight Pitt relay teams that captured Big East first-place finishes. An exercise physiology major, Clark graduated cum laude and understands the main reason a student-athlete comes to college.
The results have been nothing but impressive. Under the guidance of Clark, the Panthers are regularly selected to the College Swim Coaches' Association All-America Academic Team list. Pitt has been ranked as high as 17th in the country among other swimming and diving teams. The team has also been awarded the University's Academic Award several times, which is given annually to the University of Pittsburgh athletic team that boasts the highest grade-point average.
"We take great pride in our academics," said Clark. "I really believe that bright student-athletes find a way to succeed both in the classroom and in the pool.
Clark resides in Squirrel Hill with her husband Todd, daughters Maiti (12) and Mara (11) and son Mac (2).
