King University director of athletics David Hicks has named Juan Somoza '19 as the next Tornado head men's and women's swimming coach.
"Juan has a passion for King and a passion for developing student-athletes," said Hicks. "His coaches and teammates at King made a significant impact on his life, and he understands the impact coaches can have on student-athletes. He combines his drive to succeed in the pool with his desire to impact lives in a positive manner, and that makes him a perfect fit to return to King as our head coach."
Somoza graduated from King in three years, earning a Bachelor of Art in Business and Sport Management in 2019, and earned his master's degree in Business Administration from Delta State University in 2021.
In the pool, Somoza remains one of the most successful swimmers in program history, having broken 15 different school records during his career, both individually and as a member of various relay teams. Five of those records remained when he graduated, and his times in the 200 yard backstroke, 100 yard individual medley, and 200 yard individual medley still stand today. He's also one of the most versatile swimmers in program history, breaking school records in freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and individual medley during his career.
On the conference level, Somoza was a five-time All-Conference Carolinas performer, and a conference champion in 2019 in the 200 yard individual medley.
"I am excited for this new chapter in my life," said Somoza. "I am honored to return to King as the new head coach for the program. King gave me a successful collegiate swimming career and my degree in Sports Management. King swimming has always been a resilient program and has formed amazing people in and out of the water. I cannot wait to start working and continue the tradition of excellence that King University is known for. There is plenty of work to do, but King swimming is strong. I will see you soon. Go Tornado!"
After graduating from King, Somoza spent two seasons at Delta State University as a graduate assistant coach, while earning his master's degree. During his tenure at Delta State, the program produced five individual national champions, and both the men's and women's programs finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Division II Swimming & Diving Championships in 2021.
Prior to coming to King, Somoza experienced tremendous success in his home country of Mexico. He competed in the Mexican National Championships on five occasions, as well as the Mexican Olympic Trials and World Championship Trials qualifiers in 2015 and 2016.
"Juan has competed and succeeded at the highest levels throughout his career, as a youth, collegiate athlete, and as a coach," Hicks continued. "He brings the knowledge necessary to train student-athletes at a high level, and the experience to know what it takes to compete on big stages."
Somoza will officially begin his duties on November 1.
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