Upcoming Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus Alumni Meet on October 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Men's Swimming & Diving
vs Alumni Meet
Utah Swimming And Diving Adds Two Assistants, Promotes Diving Coach
5/13/2003 12:00 AM | Men's Swimming & Diving
May 13, 2003
SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah of swimming and diving program has hired Jennifer Tasker as an assistant coach and Joel White as a graduate assistant, and promoted diving coach Rachel Degener to a full-time assistant. The announcement came today from Head Coach Michael Litzinger.
Tasker, who graduated from BYU in 2002, brings a wealth of experience as both an athlete and a coach to the Utes. Spending the 2001-02 season as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Tasker helped guide the Cougars to their third consecutive Mountain West Conference title. This past year, she was an assistant coach for Brighton High School and Cottonwood Heights Aquatics, helping Cottonwood Heights to the 2003 Utah state age group championship.
One of the most decorated female swimmers at Brigham Young, Tasker was a All-American and 2000 United States Olympic Trials qualifier in the 100 breaststroke. She was also named Brigham Young's MVP in 2000 and 2001. Tasker still holds the MWC record in the 100 breast, and owns BYU records in the 100 breast, 200 and 400-medley relay.
"I am very pleased to add Jennifer to our staff," said Litzinger. "She has a great knowledge of our sport, is very familiar with our league, and brings experience as a high-level athlete to our deck here at Utah."
White joins the Utah staff after serving the past two seasons as the head coach at Homestead High School in Milwaukee, Wis. White developed six state champions in two seasons and led his girls' and boys' teams to fourth- and sixth-place finishes, respectively, at the state meet. White also served as an assistant with the Schroeder YMCA in Brown Deer, Wis., in both 2002 and '03.
As an athlete, White captained the UW-Milwaukee squad, which captured the 2000 Mid Continent Conference Championship. An accomplished triathlete, White competed in the 2000 and 2001 USA Triathlon Championships.
"Joel's excitement and intensity for swim coaching will be great for our program," added Litzinger. He is a true lifetime coach, and has a wonderful career ahead of him."
Rachel Degener, who has been with the Utes since 2001 as their part-time diving coach, has been promoted to a full-time staff member.
"I am very happy to announce that Utah will have its first full-time diving coach," exclaimed Litzinger. "Rachel is committed to developing one of the top diving programs in the conference, and this is the first step in that direction. She has recruited an awesome class, and our future in diving is set."
Hear It From Harlan with Utah Diving's Holly Waxman
Monday, April 22
Jaek Horner becomes the FIRST Ute on record to earn Pac-12 Swimmer of the Week two weeks in a row!
Wednesday, February 21
Good Luck to Swimming and Diving at the Pac-12 Championships
Tuesday, February 21
Utah Swimming and Diving Beats BYU in Dual Meet
Tuesday, January 24