Alabama Swimming and Diving Adds Ryan Purdy to Coaching Staff
6/9/2026 9:58:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Purdy coached two years at Army following a successful swimming career at both the University of Arizona and the University of Iowa
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama swimming and diving head coach Margo Geer announced the addition of Ryan Purdy to the coaching staff on Tuesday. Purdy, who comes to the Capstone after spending two years at Army, joins the Crimson Tide as an assistant coach, replacing Mike White.
"What stood out most about Ryan was the genuine way he builds relationships," Geer said. "He has great knowledge of the sport and is someone our student-athletes will trust and want to be around every day. Just as importantly, he is a great fit for our staff. We are thrilled to welcome him to Alabama and excited for the impact he will have on our program."
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Purdy was a standout swimmer and team captain for the Arizona Wildcats during their 2023-24 season. While there, Purdy was a part of the programs record breaking 200 medley relay team and was a Pac-12 Championship finalist in the 100 breast, 200 medley and 400 medley.
While with the Army Black Knights swimming program, he helped coach the men's swimming and diving team to the 2025 Patriot League title – the program's first conference championship in 24 years. Army followed that up with a runner-up finish at the Patriot League Championships this past year.
"I want to sincerely thank Margo and the entire Alabama swim and dive family for this opportunity," Purdy said. "I'm incredibly grateful and honored to join such an elite program. Alabama has such a rich history in swimming and diving and I can't wait to help take it to an even higher level. Roll Tide!"
