Guelph, Ontario (October 13, 2016) - Kendra Burton, has been hired as the head coach of the University of Guelph Gryphons swim team, announced Tuesday by the Department of Athletics and the Guelph Marlin Athletic Club .


Burton arrived in Guelph in 1998 and has been an assistant coach with the Gryphons and Director of Swimming Development for the Guelph Marlin Aquatics Club for 18 years, an era that's seen tremendous growth and success in both programs. She holds a wealth of national and international experience to complement an impressive collegiate resume.


"Kendra will bring tremendous experience and vision to the Guelph swim program and build on our excellence in the pool," said Director of Athletics, Scott McRoberts. "She has experience at many different levels of competition, conveys a passion for swimming and shows an understanding for the welfare of our student-athletes."


Burton began her coaching career with the Huron Hurricanes club in 1995, spending three years as their head coach in Huron County, Ont. She has been coaching with the Guelph Marlin Aquatic Club and the University of Guelph as an assistant coach since 1998, overseeing the growth of the Marlin's from 40-to-500 swimmers.


Over the years, Burton has worked to build youth from the City of Guelph into elite swimmers, boasting multiple Provincial and National team members. Elite swimmers she has worked with include Kristy Cameron (1998 Commonwealth Games Team), Andrew Ford (2012 Olympics), Erin Stamp (Junior Pan Pacs), Genvieve Robertson (Junior Pan Pacs) and many members of the Canada Games.


"I am very excited for this opportunity," said Burton. "Taking over a program is always a challenge but doing so with lots of knowledge of the swimmers, community and how they have started the season should make the transition seamless. Chantique Payne, the Assistant Varsity coach remains with the team for her second season and will take on more of a role for the remainder of this season. Gryphon Varsity Swimming is full of great people who want to achieve great things and I am excited to be a larger part of that."


Burton earned a Bachelor of Phys Ed from Laurentian University. She was named the 2015 Community Service Award recipient from the Ontario Coaches Committee, 2016 Innovative Leadership Award recipient and is an NCCP III coach.