In an astonishing move, Georgia Tech’s head coach Courtney Shealy Hart has resigned from her position to “pursue a new professional opportunity outside of sports,” the school said. Hart has been at Georgia Tech for 17 years, 15 of which as head coach.

“The decision to step down after over 15 years as head of Georgia Tech’s swimming and diving program is incredibly difficult,” Hart said. “I have been completely open with our team about the factors that led me to this decision. First and foremost, that is my family, my greatest source of strength and support. Over the years, the demands of this role have increased and I need more time to be there for them. As much as I love this program and each of our student-athletes, I must prioritize my family during this season of my life. Additionally, I have been going through some health issues that have made it increasingly difficult to meet the demands of this role. I have always prided myself on giving 100% to this team, but now I realize I need to focus on my well-being to ensure I can be there for my family and my future endeavors.

“I thank my team and coaches for their understanding and the incredible journey we have taken together. I will always root for them and look forward to seeing all the great things they will do in the future.”

Shealy Hart joined Georgia Tech in 2007 and served as an assistant until 2009, before being named head coach on April 30, 2009. Since becoming head coach, all women’s school records have been broken under her leadership. All but one men’s record, with the exception of the 400-meter individual medley record set in 2009, were also set during her time as head coach.

Both the men’s and women’s programs finished 9th out of 11 teams at the 2024 ACC Championships. The men sent four swimmers and one diver to the 2024 NCAAs, while the women sent one swimmer and one diver. Neither team scored points at their respective 2024 NCAA Championships.

In just five days, on Monday, August 19, undergraduate classes begin at Georgia Tech. Head Diving Coach John Ames has already been named interim head coach of the swimming and diving programs. Ames has been with the Georgia Tech diving team for 23 years.

The team also experienced the departure of the deputy head coach Chico Rego this offseason when Rego accepted the head coaching job at George Washington University. Most of the head coaching positions have already been filled this offseason, with a few mid-level exceptions. Now, there is a Power 4 head coaching position open.