NCAA Swimming: With Legendary Coach Eddie Reese Announcing Retirement Plans, Former World Record Holder Brendan Hansen Shares Inside Take On His Candidature

A breaststroke powerhouse, Brendan Hansen left his mark on swimming. The three-time Olympian boasts a staggering six Olympic medals, adding to his impressive total of 25 across major international events. With 18 golds, Hansen has dominated the pool, etching his legacy in Olympic, World Championship, and Pan Pacific Championship history. When such a legend offers his perspective on swimming, it’s undoubtedly worth noting.

In a recent episode of the “Inside with Brett Hawke” podcast, Hansen shared his invaluable insights on Eddie Reese, the iconic college swimming coach who stands as the only individual to have secured NCAA team titles in five separate decades. With Reese’s announcement of retirement looming after the U.S. Olympic Trials in June, Hansen’s reflections carry significant weight.

Brendan Hansen’s tribute to Eddie Reese’s mentorship

Four days back in a podcast with Bret Hawke, Brendan Hansen reflected on the impactful mentorship he received from Eddie Reese over the years. Hawke prompted Hansen with a question about Reese’s influence, leading Hansen to acknowledge the invaluable lessons he gleaned from observing Reese’s coaching techniques.

He reminisced about the countless hours spent under Reese’s guidance, where every training session and piece of advice contributed to his development as a swimmer and as a person. “I was watching Eddie Reese for years and learning from him,” he said. Amid rumors surrounding Reese’s potential successor, with Hansen’s name prominently mentioned, Hansen emphasized the irreplaceable nature of Reese’s legacy.

“Eddie can’t really be replaced, we all know that. No one’s going to replace Eddie, but Eddie is stepping down, and there’s a huge position available,” he said. He expressed his conversations with the university’s Athletic Department as an alumnus, commending their understanding of the significant role Reese played and their commitment to maintaining the program’s standards.

Furthermore, Hansen delved into the meticulous process undertaken by the university in selecting Reese’s successor. He disclosed his own interest in the position, acknowledging that his name had been submitted for consideration. However, As Eddie Reese approaches his retirement from coaching, the swimming world must know about his achievements.

A coaching icon’s unmatched swimming legacy

Undoubtedly, Reese’s achievements speak volumes about his coaching prowess, despite his modesty about his vast accomplishments. With an unparalleled record, he has led Texas to an unprecedented 15 NCAA titles, spanning five decades. Moreover, his teams have clinched the runner-up position at the NCAA Championships 13 times, with an impressive tally of 36 top-three finishes

Furthermore, Reese’s impact extends far beyond the collegiate level. As a three-time United States Olympic head coach and a multi-time assistant, he has steered numerous Longhorns to Olympic glory, with a collective haul of 63 Olympic medals. His induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame underscores his indelible mark on the sport.

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