PRESS RELEASE: OLYMPIAN MATT BIONDI NAMED NEW SWIM/DIVE COACH AT SHASTA COLLEGE

REDDING, CA – Shasta College is excited to announce that 11-time Olympic medalist and swimming icon Matt Biondi will serve as the new head coach for the Shasta College Knights swim/dive team. Biondi will also lead the Redding Ducks, who will issue their own statement concurrently.

June 30, 2025

**PRESS RELEASE**

Shasta College Press Release

DATE: June 30, 2025

CONTACT: Shasta College Marketing/PR Office

RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Olympian Matt Biondi Named New Swim/Dive Coach at Shasta College

REDDING, CA - Shasta college is excited to announe that 11-time olympic medalist and swimming icon Matt Biondi will serve as the new head coach for the Shasta College Knights swim/dive team. Biondi will also lead the Redding Ducks, who will issue their own statement concurrently.

Widely considered one of the greatest swimmers of all time, Biondi brings an unparalleled legacy to Redding. His career includes eight Olympic gold medals, 2 silver and one bronze medal, 24 U.S. championships, and 13 NCAA championships in swimming, as well as a trailblazing role in breaking the 49-second barrier in the 100-meter freestyle.*

Beyond the pool, Biondi is a passionate advocate for youth development, having worked with organizations such as the Special Olympics and the Missing Children's Foundation. Biondi earned his master's degree in education in 2000 at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and has worked as a school teacher and swimming coach in Hawaii. As of 2012, he teaches math and coaches at Sierra Canyon School in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Chatsworth.*

This exciting transition comes as Coach Mark Wagner, who has faithfully led the Knights and the Ducks for many years, announces his retirement. Coach Wagner's dedication and leadership have built a strong foundation for the programs — one that Biondi is poised to elevate to unprecedented heights.

"Mark has given so much to our athletes and our community," said Mike Mari, Shasta College Athletic Director. "Having Matt step into this role honors that legacy while launching us into a bold new era of excellence."

Matt Biondi's Olympic spirit and proven commitment to education and youth mentorship make him an inspiring figure for current and future student-athletes at Shasta College.

"We're not just adding a legendary athlete," Mari added. "We're welcoming a leader who believes in the power of sport to shape lives."

Biondi will start as head coach in early August for the Knights. "I've been fortunate to experience the highest levels of competition," said Biondi, "but the most meaningful moments of my career have come from helping young people realize their potential. I'm honored to join Shasta College and the Redding Ducks, and I look forward to building a program that's grounded in hard work, integrity, and joy in the water."

For additional information please contact the Shasta College Marketing/PR office at marketing@shastacollege.edu

For the Redding Duck's announcement please see https://www.reddingswimteam.org/page/water-polo

# #

*Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Biondi, https://www.teamusa.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-members/matt-biondi

Shasta College serves students across Shasta, Tehama, and Trinity Counties in rural far-northern California as one of the 116 campuses in the California Community College system. As the only public post-secondary institution in this 10,132 square mile area, Shasta College offers a wide range of programs including certificates, associate degrees, transfer options, and a fully online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. With campuses in Redding, Tehama, Weaverville, and Burney, as well as numerous online courses, Shasta College provides accessible, high-quality education in far-northern California. The college has been recognized with numerous grants for its innovative programs that contribute to the success of students and the broader community.

In November 2016, the passage of Measure H, a $139 million general obligation bond, enabled significant advancements at Shasta College. These include the construction of an ultra-modern state-of-the-art Computer Information Systems (CIS) instructional center, a Public Safety Training Center for Fire Academy and interagency training, a new Veterans Support and Success Center, completion of the Industrial Technology/Machining center, an Athletic Field Hourse, a New Student Services building at the Tehama Campus, and the Community Leadership Center (CLC) in downtown Redding. Measure H also funded an additional solar array on the Redding campus, which, together with an existing solar array, will meet 80% of the college's energy needs. Additionally, major technology infrastructure upgrades have been implemented, and the college is remodeling its Library, set to reopen in Spring 2025.

In 2025, Shasta College will proudly celebrate 75 years of service to the community. The college is especially proud of its innovative and community partnerships with industry leaders such as SHIELD, McConnell Foundation, CalFire, Sierra Pacific Industries, and many of our healthcare and dentist offices and providers. With a 337-acre main campus that includes a working farm, cutting-edge Early Childhood Education instructional and childcare center, heavy equipment and logging operations program, Shasta College continues to be a leader in higher education. It offers extensive student support services, including counseling, tutoring, financial aid, and veterans' services. Shasta College remains committed to fostering student success and community enrichment through its comprehensive educational offerings and robust community partnerships.

# # #

Shasta College is an equal opportunity educator and employer.