Bill Dorenkott  

Bill Dorenkott was named the successor to legendary head coach Bob Krimmel on June 10, 1998, becoming the third coach in Penn State women's swimming history.

Prior to his appointment, Dorenkott served as the assistant men's coach under Peter Brown for the past three years, helping lead them to the top of the Big Ten Conference. A proven recruiter and instructor, he was instrumental in Penn State's record-setting third place finish at the Big Ten Championships in 1998 that saw the Nittany Lions break six school records, set over 50 personal best times and score in 19 of 20 events. Penn State had never finished better than sixth prior to last season. During his tenure as an assistant, Penn State compiled a 23-6 record and improved standing each year at the Big Ten Championships.

Dorenkott's contributions to Penn State's quick rise in the Big Ten did not go unnoticed by other conference coaches.

"Bill is a young, enthusiastic coach who knows how to get athletes to swim fast," said Clark Campbell, former Minnesota men's assistant swimming coach and recently named men's and women's head coach at the University of Evansville. "He has been able to elevate every program with which he has worked to achieve the next level of success."

Penn State's improvements were not limited to the pool, however, as the Nittany Lions were also recognized for their academic excellence. In addition to the six swimmers that were named Academic All-Americans, Penn State received the NCAA team Academic All-America award in 1996 and 1997. Dorenkott is confident that the Lady Lions will move up in the Big Ten quickly, and is looking forward to building on the previous success of the team.

"My gut tells me that the future of Penn State Women's Swimming and Diving is going to be something special," he said. "We want to build a championship caliber team on a foundation of trust, love, commitment and belief.

"Our staff's immediate goal is to create a team atmosphere of dynamic young women that thrive on challenges both academic and athletic."

Prior to arriving at Penn State, Dorenkott was the head coach of the men's and women's swimming teams at Ashland University. He had served as an assistant coach at the Division II Ohio school from 1991-93.

During his two-year tenure as the Eagles' mentor, the program produced 16 All-Americas in 49 events. Five Ashland swimmers were named Academic All-Americans in 1995 and 33 records were set under Dorenkott's tutelage. Dorenkott was named Coach of the Year three times while at Ashland, twice for women's swimming and once for the men.

Dorenkott is a 1991 graduate of Cleveland State University where he was a 17-time Penn-Ohio and Eastern Conference champion. A two-time national qualifier in five events, he finished fourth and eighth at the national meet in various relay events.

Dorenkott and his wife Adrianne have one son, John, who was born on August 27, 1998.