Schools

Henry Sibley Alum Named New Eagan High School Girls Swimming Coach

Michelson, the current head coach for the Burnsville High School boys swimming program, replaces former EHS coach Steve Van Dyne.

Andrew Michelson is a momentum builder.

At least according to Eagan High School Athletic Director Sandra Setter. Michelson, hired earlier this year to replace retired Coach Steve Van Dyne, will take over head coaching responsibilities for the Wildcats girls swim team when their upcoming fall season starts on Aug. 12.

Michelson, who grew up swimming for Henry Sibley High School, has three years under his belt as the head coach for the Burnsville High School boys swimming program. In that three-year stint, Setter said, Michelson took a small program and grew it—leading students to individual success at state swim meet the last two years running. But Michelson also has a history of innovation and self-improvement, Setter said.

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"He comes to us with a history of winning, and successful swimming, at that," Setter said. "Like most good coaches, he wants to continually educate himself on what’s out there."

Prior to serving as the Burnsville boys swimming head coach, Michelson led a club team and two girls middle school teams at East Ridge and Woodbury High Schools.

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Michelson, who always envisioned himself as the head coach of a girls swimming program, was attracted by the quality and strength of the Eagan High School program, he said.

"Ultimately, I decided to apply because I knew that in my coaching career I wanted to lead a girls program," Michelson said. "The coaching position at Eagan was the opportunity I was looking for and it was the kind of program and swim community I would have liked to step into."

Setter hopes Michelson can build on Van Dyne's legacy. Thanks to Van Dyne, who led the team for 16 years, the Eagan girls swimming program is well-positioned with strong numbers, Setter said.

"I know that the Eagan girls program has a great foundation and history and I am excited to build on that," Michelson said. "[My] long term goal for the Eagan girls [team] is to continually improve as a program, individually, as a team, as well as in our conference."


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