Sierra Rhodes enters her first year with the Nova Southeastern men's and women's swimming programs after being formally announced as the Sharks' new assistant coach on August 3, 2021.
Rhodes joins the Sharks following two years as a graduate assistant coach at Berry College in Georgia.
“I'm excited to be able to work alongside Coach Hewitt as a member of the NSU staff,” said Rhodes. “Coach Hewitt has a long history of success, and I hope to learn a lot from him in my time here. I also hope to help him continue to develop a championship culture that is capable of reaching the top of Division II swimming.”
As a member of the Berry staff from 2019-21, Rhodes worked closely with the Distance and Mid-Distance groups, guiding her swimmers to multiple Southern Athletic Association (SAA) individual championship titles. Additionally, she played a significant role in the achievement of two SAA conference records, as well as numerous NCAA Division III ‘B’ cut times. Rhodes also helped lead the men’s program to a runner-up finish at the SAA Championships in 2021.
“Sierra emerged from a highly competitive search as someone who will best serve our program,” said Hewitt, a four-time SSC Coach of the Year. “She has a clear passion for the sport, has gained substantial experience as a graduate assistant, and was an elite level swimmer in her career at both Olivet Nazarene and Delta State. In her short time here so far, she’s made quite a difference already in our preparations for the upcoming season. I’ve found her to have a tremendous work ethic and she’s highly organized. I look forward to the impact she will make as a member of our Shark Family.”
During her collegiate career, Rhodes competed two years apiece at both Delta State and Olivet Nazarene. While at Delta State, she swam for the Lady Statesmen in the 500, 1,000 and 1,650 yard freestyle disciplines, where she was a two-time NCAA DII National Qualifier and NCAA Individual Scholar All-American. In 2019, Rhodes finished as an Honorable Mention All-American in the 1,650 yard freestyle at the DII National Championships.
Prior to arriving at Delta State, Rhodes spent two years at Olivet Nazarene University. As a member of the Tigers, she was named an NAIA All-American in the 500 and 1,650 yard freestyle, on top of becoming the school record holder in the 1,000 and 1,650 yard freestyle. Rhodes’ efforts helped propel to the program to its very first national title in 2017, along with its runner-up performance in 2016.
Rhodes owns a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation with a specialization in Exercise Science and minor in Allied Health. Most recently, she earned her MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management from Berry.
