BLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech head swimming coach Ned Skinner announced Tuesday two changes to his coaching staff, as Aaron Bell has been promoted to associate head coach and Emilie Hoeper has been hired as an assistant coach.

Bell, who has served as an assistant coach for the past three seasons, has been an instrumental part of Virginia Tech’s recent success, as the men’s team won its first ACC title in 2014 and both programs finished in the top 25 at the NCAA Championships last year.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to work and grow with such an amazing leader in Ned Skinner,” Bell said. “Ned and Whit Babcock have provided my family with an amazing environment and opportunity here at Virginia Tech. I’ve been lucky to be part of this program for three years and look forward to what’s in store for the H₂Okies in the future.”

“I am proud to have Aaron Bell serve as our associate head coach,” Skinner said. “He is a tireless recruiter and has brought us some of the finest student-athletes in our program history. Further, Aaron represents our program with class and is a strong mentor to our student-athletes.”

Hoeper joins the H₂Okies after spending the past year as the University of Cincinnati volunteer assistant and a Cincinnati-area club coach for the Mason Manta Rays.

“I am so excited about this opportunity and to be joining a coaching staff that is so motivated and passionate,” Hoeper said. “The Hokies have an amazing program and they are only getting better. I can’t wait to get the season underway and look forward being apart of the Hokies continued success,” Hoeper said.

Hoeper swam at Towson University from 2006-10, serving as captain her sophomore year as the Tigers won the Colonial Athletic Association title. She is also a former team record holder for Towson in the 200 backstroke.

For the past three years, Hoeper has primarily worked at Mason Manta Rays, a Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Swimming Silver Medal club team. She has served as an assistant to the National group in addition to various roles at the age group level on the team.

At University of Cincinnati, she worked with all training groups, plus postgraduate elite sprinter Josh Schneider.

“Emilie is a spirited, up-and-coming coach and we are very excited to have her join our staff,” Skinner said. “She has been very successful coaching at the club and college level, and is quickly becoming recognized as a strong coach. Emilie will be directly involved in every aspect of our program.”

Hoeper will be replacing Ben Rayner, who was hired to be the assistant coach at Ohio University.

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