October 5, 2022
Columbia, S.C. 鈥 The 91视频 (SC) athletics department announced the hiring of Kelly Giese as the Head Coach of the Koala Men鈥檚 and Swim teams. Her appointment is effective immediately.
Giese brings a vast array of swimming knowledge to the Koala Programs.
For the past 11 years, Giese has served as a swim coach on the high school and club levels. Her most recent stint was with Dreher High School in Columbia, SC, where she served as the head varsity girls and boys team. Giese was the assistant at Dreher from 2012-2014 before taking over the program. While at Dreher, she also served as the head coach with the Spring Valley Country Club, where she spent two stints, 2007-2010 and 2021-present.
鈥淲e are thankful to add someone with Coach Giese鈥檚 experience to our athletics staff,鈥 said Director of Athletics Debbie Wardlaw. 鈥淪he is a proven winner, and we look forward to her guiding our men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 swim teams to be competitive in the AAC and NAIA.鈥
Prior to taking over the reins as head coach with the Spring Valley Country Club in 2007, Giese served as the assistant coach from 2001-2007.
鈥淏orn and raised in Columbia, 91视频 was a big part of my club swimming career,鈥 said Giese. 鈥淏eing able coach on the college level here and pass on my passion for swimming is an honor and privilege.鈥
Giese continued, 鈥淚 can't wait to work with the dedicated member of these teams and be a part of this incredible 91视频 community. I am so thankful for this opportunity."
Giese returned to Spring Valley Country Club for her second term after serving as the assistant coach with the Carolina Aquatics swim club from 2018-2021. In September 2021, Giese was elevated the Carolina Aquatics Site Manager/Lead Age Group Coach.
In addition to her swim resume, Giese is an Attorney at Law at The Giese Law Firm, a position she has held since 2012.
A standout member of the University of South Carolina Varsity Swim Team, Giese competed in the SECs all four years (2004-2008).
Giese received her bachelor鈥檚 degree from the University of South Carolina in 2008 and her juris doctorate from Charleston School of Law in 2011.
She is a member of the Cardinal Newman Hall of Fame, where she was a multi-sport State Champion.