Staying Power: 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Tammy McGregor Named USA Artistic Swimming’s National Team Head Coach

A week ago, it was announced that USA Artistic Swimming (USAAS) Olympic Silver Medal winning head coach, Andrea Fuentes, would be leaving the program for her dream scenario in Spain. It didn’t take USAAS leadership long to recognize who the right person was to continue to lead the program forward. It was obvious Tammy McGregor was the clear choice. McGregor has worked with the Senior National Team, is currently the head coach of the Junior National Team, remains a top performing club coach in the US, serves as the chair of the World Aquatics Coaches Committee and Vice Chair of Pan Am Aquatics Artistic Swimming Committee. 

McGregor previously led the national team program in 2008 and will return to the helm 16 years later. “I am honored and deeply grateful to be named head coach as we prepare for 2028 Olympic Games in LA. Since Andrea Fuentes arrived, I have embraced the dual roles of mentor and biggest fan, standing firmly behind her from the very beginning. Andrea’s dedication and passion led our team to a silver medal at the last Olympics, and I am excited to continue building on the strong foundation she has laid. While I wish I could be coaching with her in LA, I am committed to carrying forward the incredible legacy she has created. Even though the Olympics are the pinnacle of achievement, I realized that true impact comes from developing athletes’ mental and physical growth from day one. This realization inspired me to return to youth and junior full-time coaching after leading the United States as the head coach in the 2008 Olympic Games. I was driven by a mission to nurture the next generation of American athletes from their earliest stages, instilling the tenacity, passion, and unshakable self-belief that breeds champions. Now, the moment has arrived to recommit myself to the Olympic Team level. Leading this country and our amazing athletes towards more heights of excellence is a responsibility I embrace with excitement and determination. Thank you for this honor.” 

The last six years have been full of twists and turns that culminated in a storybook ending; the organization views this coaching change as more of a chapter toward even greater success. USA Artistic Swimming is also proud to share that at least five of the twelve senior national team members will return for the 2025 World Championship and eight of the top athletes in the country will join them. “When I started in this role everything was different than it is today. So many people have worked to build an organizational culture that will last longer than any one person. Tammy is the right person to continue to grow the unique culture of USAAS.” said USAAS High Performance Director and National Team Assistant Coach, Lara Teixeira. 

McGregor has developed into a top-level coach in the US and on the international stage. She is also highly respected as an international technical controller, coach, leader and ambassador for the sport. “I am incredibly proud to pass the torch to Tammy McGregor as the next head coach of USA Artistic Swimming. Tammy is, without a doubt, the most prepared individual in the world to assume this role. Her leadership and coaching skills are unmatched, and she has consistently inspired our team whenever she has stepped in to help, particularly during the crucial preparations for Paris 2024. That week was a testament to her invaluable insights and dedication. Tammy has devoted her life to serving the US, both as a swimmer and as a coach, and I am confident there is no one better suited to lead our team into its next chapter.” shares previous head coach, Andrea Fuentes.  

It has been well documented that USAAS earned their first Olympic medal performance in 20 years and the highest finish since Tammy McGregor and her teammates stood on top of the podium in Atlanta 1996. With Los Angeles less than four years away, sights are set on continued success. “As a nation we felt Olympic glory for the first time in two decades, and what is clear is we want more of that feeling. We are not going backward; we will complement the leadership and coaching skills of Tammy with a staff that will only make us stronger. We have a large group of incredibly talented athletes that are bought into our national team culture. We will continue to do things the right way!” said USAAS CEO Adam Andrasko. 

As part of a transition phase, Andrea Fuentes will remain on staff through September 15, 2024. Tammy McGregor will officially assume the head coach position October 1 but will work closely with Lara Teixeira and Andrea Fuentes until that time. USAAS plans to hire two assistant coaches ahead of the October 1 start date. Candidates for one assistant coach position are already being considered. Applications for the second assistant coach opening are being accepted now. If interested, you can submit your application via teamworkonline.com