After a record breaking first-year season, University of Evansville diving coach Eric Blevins returns for his second year as a member of the Purple Aces staff with high hopes of continuing to build the program.
Shortly after arriving in 2009, Blevins had an immediate impact on the UE diving program. Under Blevins’ direction, three Aces went on to compete in the 2010 NCAA Zone C Diving Championship. During the 2009-2010 season, two of Blevins’ divers broke career records for the one-meter and three meter. The top record holder in each of those events, Sadie Wells, was also awarded All-Missouri Valley Conference recognition.
Prior to Evansville, Blevins served as head diving coach at Minnesota State University. There he coached three All-Americans and five NCAA qualifiers. He was responsible for practices, diving recruitment, meet management and rehabilitation for swimmers and divers.
His coaching experience began at University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., and later at the Saint Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. Spending one season at each school, Blevins led both to an NCAA qualifier while taking on other various responsibilities.
Blevins competed collegiately at Grinnell College, in Grinnell, Iowa, where he was a two-time All-American and eight-time Midwest Conference Champion.
Blevins is not limited to just his diving knowledge, as proven by his event, marketing and research internships. His stints include such organizations as the Minnesota State Women’s Walk Fundraiser, Abingdon Fitness Center, Minnesota Vikings Training Camp and ICON Sports Management. He also served as a personal trainer at Equinox Fitness Club.
Blevins graduated from Grinnell College in 2004 with a degree in economics, and later received his master’s in sports management from Minnesota State. He is certified to coach diving, football and track at the collegiate level and to be an instructor for Level I gymnastics and trampoline.
