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William Peace University

Rowan Poppen-Eagan

RALEIGH, N.C. -  William Peace University Athletics has announced the hiring of Rowan Poppen-Eagan as the newest full-time head coach of the Pacers' men's and women's swimming programs. 

Poppen-Eagan comes to Peace after serving on the staff at Nazareth University, where he worked as a full-time assistant coach for the Golden Flyers. During his time there, he helped guide the women's team to their sixth-straight Empire 8 Conference Championship and was part of a staff recognized as the Empire 8 Women's Coaching Staff of the Year.

A 2021 graduate of Hartwick College, Poppen-Eagan was a three-year "A" finalist at the Empire 8 Championships and served as team captain during his senior season. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Coaching & Exercise Science from Concordia University Irvine in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Biology with a concentration in Cellular Molecular Biology from San Francisco State University.

His other coaching experience includes time with the Gordon Family YMCA in Sumner, Washington, where he led swimmers ages 8-15 in technique and conditioning and also established the organization's first masters swim team. He has also been a U.S. Swimming Masters national qualifier in both 2023 and 2024. 

"I'd like to thank Claude Shields, the entire search committee, and the athletics staff for provisioning this opportunity." Poppen-Eagan mentioned. "I am looking forward to getting started and building up the swim program!"

"Rowan clearly stood out during our search for the next leader of our swim programs." Athletic Director Claude Shields said. "He is oozing with potential to continue to build on the solid foundation that we have in Raleigh. We can't wait for him to get started and hit the ground running!" 

With a strong background as both a student-athlete and coach, Poppen-Eagan brings a mix of competitive experience, recruiting expertise, and program development to the Pacers as they continue to grow their men's and women's swimming programs.