SURPRISE, Ariz. – Head Coach of the OUAZ Swimming & Diving Program Austen Ramer announced the addition of Darian Townsend to his coaching staff this afternoon. Townsend becomes his top assistant as the duo build the newest program at the university.
 
Townsend is a three-time Olympian that competed in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), and London (2012). He won the gold medal and set the world record in the 4 x 100 Meter Freestyle in Athens. Townsend won eight NCAA championships, including two individual titles and five relay crowns.
 
"I am beyond excited to have Darian join me in building the swim and dive program here at OUAZ," Ramer said of the addition of Townsend. "His pedigree as an athlete and coach speak volumes for themselves. I believe the high character and passion that he holds as a coach will be instrumental in creating this program into a top level one right away."
 
As a coach, Townsend has been the Head Coach and President of the YMCA Westside Silver Fins since March of 2017 and he was named the 2018-19 Arizona Senior Coach of the Year. During his time with the Silver Fins, Townsend has seen one of his athletes with a junior national championship and qualify for the 2020 Olympic Trials.
 
Townsend graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in Sociology.