Swimming News: Re-living the Legacy of Legendary BYU Coach Shari Skabelund, Who Gave 37 Years to the Sport

BYU’s legendary coach Shari Skabelund has decided to call it quits after 37 long years of service. She started as an assistant coach of Provo in 1987. However, before donning her coaching hat, Skabelund was also a noted swimmer herself. Graduating in 1981, Skabelund started her swimming under the strict guidance of Tim Powers. Shari Skabelund became the very first BYU swimmer to complete an eligibility for four years. Competing in the 1978 and 1979 AIAW Nationals, Skabelund clinched a couple of Region 18 titles. 

Soon after, she decided to slowly transition into the role of a coach. Skabelund started with Springville High School in 1982 and continued till 1987. After joining BYU, Skabelund became one of the most decorated coaches in the American school circuit. Now, as she bids adieu, let’s take a trip down memory lane. 

Shari Skabelund reflects on her experience at BYU

Shari Skabelund has been a part of the BYU coaching system since 1987. There was not a single instance where Skabelund took a break, except for a year during her pregnancy. After the men’s and women’s division were combined as one, Skabelund was vested with the responsibility of managing the sprint group. Come 2021, Skabelund was overseeing the entire BYU as the head coach. 

Reflecting on her coaching days, Shari Skabelund said, “My life has been blessed by the student-athletes, my fellow coaches, and the athletics-support staff who have become lifelong friends. I thank Elaine Michaelis for her trust, guidance, and support.” During her time as the coach, Skabelund had the honor of leading 50 individual conference titles and 21 NCAA qualifiers since 2008. 

Her impeccable coaching prowess saw six of her students qualify for the Tokyo US Olympic trials, including Olympian Josue Dominguez from the Dominican Republic. Skabelund’s shenanigans transcended the boundaries of her achievements and contributions to the realm of sports. She is loved and appreciated by all. 

BYU Director Of Athletics reflects on Shari Skabelund’s contributions 

Reminiscing the golden times when Shari Skabelund took BYU to the peak of success, the Director of Athletics, Tom Holmoe couldn’t help but go back in time. He attributed a chunk of the success of the BYU Swim to Skabelund. Holmoe stated that Skabelund as an athlete first and then as assistant and head coach changed the entire dynamic of the team. 

Elaborating further on the matter, Holmoe said, “I’m so grateful for her tremendous career in which she mentored hundreds of her athletes to be their very best in and out of the pool.” Thus, after all these years of unselfish service toward the betterment of the sport, it’s now time for Shari Skabelund to sit back and enjoy the serene sunset.

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