LEWISTON, Maine -- The Bates swimming and diving program welcomes five-time All-American Margie McLeod '24 to the coaching staff, as announced Wednesday by head coach Peter Casares.

Originally from Durham, Maine and a graduate of Freeport High School, McLeod grew up swimming for Long Reach Swim Club, has been a long-time Bobcat Swim Camper and coach, and has continued to compete successfully in Masters swimming since graduating from Bates with a degree in chemistry, including three third-place finishes at Masters Nationals last year.

"Every time Margie has been back at Bates, she has made a point of swimming at Tarbell during open swim, and checking in about the program," Casares said. "Her love for Bates, this team, and the sport itself has been incredibly evident."

When she swam for Bates, McLeod earned All-America honors three times in the 200-yard medley relay and twice in the 200-yard freestyle relay. In 2022, she helped the 200-yard freestyle relay team place 8th at nationals, the only time Bates women's swimming has qualified for the championship final in the 200-yard freestyle relay at NCAAs to date. She and her teammates still hold school records in both the 200-yard medley relay (1:43.07) and the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:34.01).

"It means the world to me to be back at Bates as a coach," McLeod said. "College swimming was such a special part of my life and this team had a huge impact on me. It's really exciting returning to a place that means so much to me and to have the opportunity to help other student-athletes create those same meaningful experiences."

McLeod spent the previous two years in Wisconsin as a scientist for Thermo Fisher Scientific. She is now able to work remotely in Maine in her new role as a Data Reviewer for the life science and clinical research company.

McLeod and Tom Jansen make up the new-look coaching staff working with Casares, who is entering his 20th season at the helm of the program.

"Beyond what she will bring to the deck as an alum, swimmer, and student who has experienced it all, Margie's scientific and data-driven mind will be a huge asset as we manage the many administrative details of a season, from supporting 60+ team members to tracking hundreds of recruits," Casares said. "We are incredibly lucky to have Margie joining us, and we're all excited to welcome her back to the Bobcat family!"