Penn State swimming and diving head coach Hollie Bonewit-Cron announced the hiring of Samantha Pickens as the new Head Diving Coach. Pickens arrives after a successful stint at Liberty, where she earned Atlantic Sun Women’s Diving Coach of the Year honors and guided divers to NCAA Championships. Her coaching record includes mentoring several athletes to break school records and achieve national qualifications, showcasing her capacity to develop talent at high levels. An accomplished diver herself, Pickens has extensive competitive experience, including participation in Olympic Trials and national championships.

By the Numbers
  • Samantha Pickens coached three divers to NCAA Zone Championships in her tenure at Liberty.
  • She was named Atlantic Sun Women’s Diving Coach of the Year in 2024-25.
  • She earned bronze medals in synchronized diving at the 2021 and 2024 Olympic Trials.
  • Pickens was a five-time All-American and won national titles on one-meter in 2013 and 2015 while competing for Arizona.
State of Play
  • The team is enhancing its coaching staff with Pickens, focusing on elevating diving performance.
  • Pickens has established a reputation for training athletes to compete at national levels.
  • Penn State aims to build on previous successes, leveraging Pickens's extensive experience and coaching achievements.
What's Next

Pickens will begin preparations for the upcoming season, likely focusing on recruiting new talent and implementing training programs to further develop the current divers. The Penn State diving team will be looking to improve its standings in upcoming competitions, leveraging her coaching expertise.

Bottom Line

The addition of Samantha Pickens as Head Diving Coach signifies Penn State's commitment to excellence in its diving program. Her proven track record in coaching and competitive success positions the team for future achievements, potentially enhancing recruitment and overall performance.