Jan. 30, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Lisa Riddell has been named head synchronized swimming coach at UAB, athletics director Watson Brown announced Thursday. Riddell comes to UAB after serving four seasons (1999-2002) as head coach of SunCoast WaterWorks club team in Clearwater, Fla.

During her time with SunCoast Waterworks, Riddell qualified three swimmers to participate in the National Junior Team tryouts, coached the winning duet at the National Age Group Championships and consistently placed teams, trios and duets in the top 10 at the National Age Group Championships. In addition, she implemented educational and recruitment programs to local area elementary and middle schools.

Riddell also assisted with several synchronized swimming club teams in Kansas City.

An accomplished athlete herself, Riddell was a seven-year member of the U.S. National Team. While a member of the team, the squad brought home a World Championship and a FINA World Cup Championship.

Riddell also swam with the Walnut Creek Aquanuts club team. The squad won the Senior National Team Championships in 1985 and 1988. She also swam with the trio that won the Senior National Trio Championship four consecutive years (1985-1988). Riddell also was the solo and duet champion in the French, Spanish and Rome Open during her time with the Aquanuts.

In addition, Riddell also swam with the Kansas City Sea Sprites and the Santa Clara Aquamaids club teams.

Still active in the sport as a coach, Riddell placed first in figures and solo at the Masters National Championships in 1999.

She replaces Amy O'Donnell who served as the Blazers' head coach from the inception of the program in 1999-2002.

"I'm really excited to be a part of the collegiate community and to work with such elite athletes," said Riddell. "I'm looking forward to a successful season."