LAUREN HOFFMAN

Head Coach

Lauren Hoffman was named head coach of the Husson women's swimming & diving program in June 2023 after serving as an assistant coach at Colby College since 2021 and the head swim coach for the Mid-Maine Dolphins since 2022.

In addition to her coaching duties, Hoffman also serves as Husson’s director of aquatics and head women's swimming & diving coach.

Additionally, Hoffman has had coaching stops with Charles River Aquatics, the East Longmeadow Marlins and West Springfield High School.

Prior to Husson, Hoffman severed as the director of aquatics at the Alfond Youth and Community Center since 2021 and was an assistant manager of facilities and pro shop at Boston University from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, Dwyer severed as coordinator of campus recreation at Springfield College and also as a health and wellness adjunct professor from 2017-2019.

A native of Orono, Maine, Hoffman earned her bachelor of science in exercise science and a minor in psychology from the University of Maine in 2014 and a master's of science in exercise science and sport psychology from Springfield College in 2018. Hoffman also swam four years at UMaine, earning America East Honor Roll.

ROBBIE MACDONALD

Assistant Head Coach

Robby MacDonald enters his eighth season as an assistant coach for the Husson men's and women's swimming & diving program in 2023-24.

He began his swim career with Bangor High School for coach Phil Emery’s inaugural 1969-70 season. He then swam for the University of Maine under coach Al Switzer as a member of Maine's inaugural swim team, graduating in 1974.

After college he became a teacher and swim coach for the Bangor School Department. His Lady Rams won their first state title in 1976 establishing state-meet records. And, the Rams went on to win another five state meet titles (77, 82, 83, 84, 85) during Robby’s tenure including a 137.5 point victory margin in 1985. The Rams won 30 events at state meets during his tenure and four of his Bangor teams were awarded the Sportsmanship Award. He was also awarded Maine High School Swim Coach of the Year in 1976, 81, and 82. He was the recipient of the John Bapst Quarterback Club Award for performance of swimmers and teams in 1977. He served on the coaching staffs of Jack Nelson (former US Olympic Coach) Swim Camp in Ft. Lauderdale and Bob Miller-former National AAU coach of the year.

Following the 1985 season, MacDonald accepted the varsity men’s and women’s coaching position at Colby College. The Mules women combined for a 23-6 dual meet record during his three years highlighted by Colby’s first All-American swimmer in 1988. The men’s team recorded its highest winning percentage in program history as of 1988.

Finishing his coaching career in 1988 to enter the Bangor School Administration, were he served as Principal of James F. Doughty School for 22 years prior to being named the Assistant Superintendent of Schools in 2013. MacDonald served in that position for three years until retiring in 2017 after being with the Bangor School Department for 34 years.

During his time as an administrator, MacDonald continued his association with swimming. He was one of the founders of the UMO Swimming and Diving Foundation and served multiple terms as chair of the Maine Principal's Association Swim Committee. He was appointed by the MPA to the National Federation Rules Committee.

His swim column, “The Swim Scene”, is published in the Bangor Daily News regularly, highlighting the achievements of the Maine swimming community at all levels.

The 1994 Maine High School State Swim Meet dedication was made in Robby’s honor.

MacDonald was inducted into the Maine Swimming & Diving Hall of Fame in 2016.

JEFF WREN

Assistant Coach

Jeff Wren enters his ninth season as an assistant coach with the Husson men's and women's swimming & diving teams in 2023-24.

Wren rejoined the Husson coaching staff after stepping down as head coach in 2010, a position he held for two seasons.

Wren came to Husson after 37 years of experience coaching at the University of Maine as head women’s coach and assistant men’s coach from 1971-1990 and head coach of both programs from 1990-2007. He coached numerous New England and America East champions during his time there and won six New England team titles between 1978-1987.

In addition to his duties with the team, Wren has taught all levels of aquatic programs from small children through adult beginners and masters swimming.

Wren earned a Bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary in 1971 and Master of Education from the University of Maine in 1974.

CHRIS VAFIADES

Diving Coach

Chris Vafiades enters his fifth season as the diving coach for the Husson women's swimming & diving program in 2023-24.

He also serves in the same capacity for the men's swimming & diving program.

CAREER AT A GLANCE:

• Since joining the Husson's women's swimming & diving coaching staff in the fall of 2019, Vafiades has helped the Eagles win three straight North Atlantic Conference Championships (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23).
• At Husson, Valifades has helped guide the Eagles to a 25-3 (.893) overall dual meet record.
• Vafiades has helped developed multiple All-North Atlantic Conference honorees — Shelby Peterson (2021-22), Riley Mahoney (2022-23).
• Vafiades has coached two North Atlantic Conference Divers of the Year — Shelby Peterson (2021-22), Riley Mahoney (2022-23).
• He has guided one New England Intercollegiate Swimming & Diving Association All-New England honoree — Shelby Peterson (2021-22).

COACHING TIMELINE:

• 2019-Present: Husson University (Diving Coach)