SUNY New Paltz Athletics

by Ryan Fasciano, Sports Information Intern

With the 50th anniversary of the State University of New York at New Paltz swimming & diving program coming up in October, catching up with one of the team’s greatest champion swimmers was a must. Michelle Coombs ’08, swam for New Paltz for two years after a two-year stint with NCAA Division I University of Richmond in Virginia. Even though Coombs didn’t swim at New Paltz for four full years, she definitely left her mark on the program. In 2007, Coombs was a NCAA Division III national champion in the 100 freestyle. Though, if you ask Coombs what her greatest accomplishment at New Paltz was, she would tell you it’s a tough choice.

“I’m torn between winning a national championship and getting back up and swimming again after my experience in Richmond,” said Coombs.


According to Coombs, New Paltz was and still is a place to call home. Former head swimming coach and the current interim commissioner of the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC), Brian Williams, was more of a father figure than a coach to Coombs. The swimming team felt more like a family, something Coombs did not feel at Richmond.


“Swimming at New Paltz was completely opposite than swimming at Richmond,” said Coombs. “Brian was like a savior; he gave me a lot of support. He was patient and understanding. It wasn’t just with me though; he was like this with everyone. Everyone bought into his program.”

Coombs still swims on and off, but she spends most of her time for exercise right now training for a half-marathon. She also participates in triathlons. Coombs is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie and hasn’t found something to replace the adrenaline she got from swimming competitively.

“I miss the spirit of competing,” said Coombs. “I miss the camaraderie of the team right before a race.”

Camaraderie is an important thing to Coombs. She has been working for the U.S. Army’s Public Health Command since she graduated from New Paltz. Coombs is also currently getting her doctorate in clinical psychology.

“My goal is to eventually open up my own private practice as a psychologist,” said Coombs.