Carl Erikson joined the swimming and diving program as the head coach for the 2007-2008 season, but that was not his first experience with the team. Erikson swam for four years at Principia College, was a captain his senior year, and was part of the 200 Medley relay record. He started his coaching career a few years later, also at Principia, when he returned for the 1994-1995 season as the assistant coach. He spent five years as the assistant coach before moving on to be the Head Coach of the Weymouth Club Waves, the USA swimming club team in his native MA, in the fall of 1999. 

In fall 2004, he became the assistant coach at Goucher College, where he spent two years coaching and completing his Master's degree. Then, for the 2005-2006 season, he was hired by the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford to start their varsity swim team. After two years in Bradford, he returned to Principia College and completed his 14th season at the helm of the program.

In 2012, Erikson was named the Chair of the Physical Education department. During his tenure, the department has undergone two extensive program reviews and continues to revise and improve its assessment process. Additionally, Erikson teaches aquatics-related PE courses, including Lifeguarding and Red Cross courses in First Aid and CPR.

"Helping athletes grow and improve, not only physically but also as people, was the primary reason I became a coach. In addition, coaching is a wonderful avenue for expressing Love, caring, and selflessness."

Education

    MEd, Goucher College

    BA, Principia College

    ASCA Level 2 coach

Achievements and Awards

    Under his leadership, Principia swimmers and divers have achieved numerous distinctions:

    4 NCAA Division III National Qualifiers

    56 new team records

    220+ recent all-time Principia Top-10 performances

    Nine individual event wins at the Liberal Arts Championships

    Multiple CSCAA Scholar All-America Team Awards (women - every year since 2007-2008; men – every year since 2011-2012)

    #1 GPA for all NCAA DIII men's swimming and diving teams (six times since spring 2012)

    Top-three GPA for all NCAA DIII men's swimming and diving teams (eight times since spring 2012)

Memberships and Affiliations

    American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA)

    Collegiate Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA)

    American Red Cross Instructor