Courtesy: CSU Bakersfield Athletics<\/p>\n
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. \u2013 With the start of the 2026-27 academic year approaching swiftly, Cal State Bakersfield\u2019s first-year Director of Swimming & Diving Shane Pelton<\/a> has added a pair of talented coaches to help lead the Roadrunners.<\/p>\n Zac Gebhardt \u2013 Lead Assistant Coach<\/p>\n A member of the swimming coaching community for the better part of two decades, Gebhardt brings an abundance of experience to Bakersfield. Most recently, he spent a season as an assistant coach at UCLA, helping the Bruins place 14 NCAA qualifiers and break four program records.<\/p>\n Gebhardt also brings familiarity with mid major swimming, having spent the six years prior at UC San Diego, starting out as an assistant coach before his promotion to Top Assistant Coach\/Recruiting Coordinator in 2022. In his time with the Tritons, Gebhardt helped the program successfully navigate the transition from NCAA Division I to Division II. UCSD produced US Olympic Trials qualifiers in both 2020 and 2024, won a women\u2019s team conference title in 2022, and produced 20 NCAA All-Americans during Gebhardt\u2019s tenure.<\/p>\n Originally from Monroeville, Penn., Gebhardt got his professional start as the Head Coach of Moon Aqua Club before joining the collegiate coaching ranks with the University of Mount Union.<\/p>\n Gerhardt on joining the `Runners:\u00a0\u201cI want to thank Head Coach Shane Pelton<\/a> for this opportunity. Shane has done incredible things while at Cal State East Bay and I have no doubt he will do incredible things here at Cal State Bakersfield.\u00a0I am excited to be a part of this journey and am looking forward to all that we can accomplish here at Cal State Bakersfield.\u201d<\/p>\n Pelton on Gebhardt:\u00a0\u201cZac brings a wealth of coaching experience, professionalism, and exceptional organizational skills to our program. He understands what it takes to build a successful Division I program, both on the deck and behind the scenes. His attention to detail, leadership, and ability to create a structured environment will elevate every aspect of our program, and I\u2019m excited for the impact he\u2019ll have on our student-athletes and staff.\u201d<\/p>\n