Army Black Knights Announces Staff Title Changes & Promotions

Army West Point Swimming & Diving Director Brandt Nigro announced three title changes/promotions for the 2023-24 season today.

Nigro’s position will change to Director of Swimming & Diving as he continues to manage and lead all parts of the program.

Kelly Lennon has been named Associate Head Coach for the women’s program, while Ben Delia is now the Associate Head Coach for the men’s program. Lennon will continue to serve as the women’s program’s recruiting coordinator.

“I am incredibly grateful to Brandt for giving me the opportunity to join his team three years ago, for the mentorship he has provided since then, and for the trust he has placed in me to take on this new responsibility. Over the past three years, the program has experienced significant growth due to the participants’ passion, dedication, and belief in themselves. It is an honor to be a part of this journey. I’m very pleased of how far we’ve gone and even more excited about where we’re going with this amazing bunch. “Go, Army!” – Kelly Lennon

The program has seen its most success in decades with Nigro at the helm, including Army’s first NCAA Qualifier in over 30 seasons, first victory over Navy in over 30 years and a Patriot League Coach of the Year Award for Nigro. Since taking over the reins, the men’s and women’s teams have posted a combined 45-29-1 dual meet record, which includes a 20-10 mark against Patriot League opponents.

Nigro was voted Patriot League Men’s Coach of the Year in 2022-23, after leading the Black Knights to their first victory over Navy since 1990. Army defeated the Mids 189-111 at Crandall Pool on the campus of the United States Military Academy, snapping a 30-plus-year losing streak against its service academy foe. Nigro was a finalist for the Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character Through Sport Award, which honors West Point cadet-athletes, coaches, officers in command, and sport educators that promote noble character through athletic involvement and leadership.

“I’d like to thank our Athletic Director, Mike Buddie, and Senior Associate Athletic Director, Abby Howard, for believing in and supporting our program. I’d also like to thank the cadet-athletes who have participated in our program and believed in the concept of what is possible here at Army West Point Swim and Dive. Kelly has contributed significantly to our growth since her arrival in 2021. Her enthusiasm for our cadet-athletes and our overall objective here is incredible. I’m delighted to continue working with her in her new capacity. Ben had only just finished his first season with us, yet he made an immediate effect on our program. He has extensive teaching experience at all levels, and we are

Next week, we’ll announce the addition of two new full-time coaches which will bring our staff to the NCAA maximum of eight staff members for a combined program. This will allow us to further elevate our capacity to coach, develop, mentor, and recruit future leaders of character. Few programs in the NCAA have the support to build a full staff. We’ve grown so much over the past five years, but still have work to do. Our target is a top-25 program, and to get there – it takes buy-in and effort across the board. We have that here and I couldn’t be more grateful and excited to be a part of it all!”In 2023-24, Delia and Lennon led the program to unparalleled success, setting new records in 26 of 44 competitions. Rankin, a sophomore, qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, making him the first Army swimmer to do so since 1987. The Black Knights also saw a program record 13 athletes nominated to the All-Patriot League First Team, with a total of 20 receiving all-league recognition. Both Army teams finished second at the Patriot League Championships, setting 14 new program records and 15 first-place finishes. Molly Webber, a sophomore, won three solo gold medals and two relay golds, earning her the title of Women’s Swimmer of the Meet and the highest point score.
Army will send five athletes to the Olympic Trials in Indianapolis later this month. Aurelie Migault is the first female swimmer in program history to qualify, and Kalvin Hahn is the first swimmer to qualify in multiple disciplines.