Dupage Policy Journal

Augustana College has appointed Ramsey Vens as the new head coach for its men's and women's swimming and diving programs. Mike Zapolski, Director of Athletics at Augustana, made the announcement, expressing confidence in Vens' ability to enhance the program's positive trajectory. "Ramsey brings a number of positive attributes to her new position at Augustana, and I am confident that she will build on the positive trajectory within the Vikings men's and women's swimming and diving program," said Zapolski. He highlighted her extensive coaching experience across various levels and her strong recruiting skills.

Vens is an alumna of Augustana, graduating in 2010. She returns to her alma mater after serving as the top assistant coach at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, for five seasons. During her tenure there, she coached 21 student-athletes to NAIA All-American status and led both men's and women's teams to three consecutive Liberal Arts Conference Championships.

Expressing her enthusiasm about returning to Augustana, Vens stated, "I'm incredibly excited and grateful to return to my alma mater as the Head Coach of Augustana College Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving. It truly feels like coming home." She expressed gratitude towards Athletic Director Mike Zapolski for the opportunity.

In addition to her role at St. Ambrose, Vens has been involved with several other swim programs. She served as an assistant swim coach at Davenport Central High School from 2021-24 and owns Fins Up Swim School, LLC. Her coaching career also includes positions with Davenport Metro Swim Team, Pleasant Valley High School, and Bettendorf-Pleasant Valley Aquatics.

During her own swimming career at Augustana, Vens was a four-year swimmer who achieved notable success including being named team MVP twice. She won two CCIW championships in the 100 backstroke and qualified for NCAA Division III National Championships in 2006.

Vens will begin her duties this summer.