Pine-Richland grad Kristen Murslack named assistant coach with Pitt swimming

Pine-Richland graduate and former Auburn swimmer Kristen Murslack is returning to the scene of some of her greatest high school accomplishments.

Murslack, 24, recently was named an assistant coach with Pitt swimming and diving.

“I grew up swimming and competing at Trees Pool,” said Murslack, a four-time WPIAL Class AAA champion in the 200-yard individual medley and a three-time WPIAL champion in the 100 breaststroke.

“It’s a dream come true to return to my hometown of Pittsburgh and become a coach for a growing program with tremendous potential in the ACC.”

Murslack will work under John Hargis, who coached her for most of her career at Auburn from 2013-17.

Hargis, who is entering his fourth season with the Panthers, said Murslack will be a role model.

“I was lucky to coach Kristen for three years at Auburn and was able to see firsthand the drive, work ethic and determination that she possesses,” Hargis said.

Murslack, an SEC individual finalist with the Tigers, most recently served as a graduate assistant for Auburn’s women’s soccer program. She spent time as an intern with Auburn swimming and diving.

She served as a coach for Pine-Richland Aquatics Club and at Pine-Richland High School in 2017 after graduating from Auburn.

Murslack, who studied education and made the SEC Academic Honor Roll twice, hopes to make coaching a career. The Panthers men and women placed ninth and 11th, respectively, in the ACC championships last season.

She said her family looks forward to attending home meets at Trees Pool.

“I’ve been away for five years,” said Murslack, whose sister, Allison, swam for the Panthers from 2015-17. “My family is happy to have me right down the road now compared to 13 hours away (in Alabama).”