Former University of Delaware swimming standout Levan Beridze will begin his second season as a graduate assistant coach for the Blue Hen men's and women's swimming and diving teams for the 2008-09 season. He was hired by head coach John Hayman in July, 2007.
A native of Tblisi, Georgia, Beridze joins a staff that includes Hayman, assistant coach Rory Coleman, diving coach Peter Metrinko, and fellow graduate assistant coach Meredith Law.
Beridze, who worked with the UD program in 2006-07 while finishing his undergraduate degree, is pursuing a master’s degree in public policy and foreign affairs at Delaware.
After transferring from Rutgers University, Beridze enjoyed a standout two-year career for the Blue Hen swimmers in 2004-06 when he was one of the top freestyle sprinters in the CAA. He earned his degree in international relations with a minor in Russian this past May.
He ranked in the top five all-time in four events in Delaware history upon graduation, including a school record of 3:06.73 in the 400 freestyle relay in 2005-06. He also ranked No. 2 all-time at UD in the 100 freestyle (45.75) and 200 freestyle (1:41.91) and No. 5 in the 50 freestyle (21.18).
He collected 11 top 10 finishes at the CAA Championships in his two seasons, placing fourth in both the 100 freestyle in 2005 and in the 400 freestyle relay in 2006. As a senior in 2006, he collected four top five finishes at the CAA meet as he also placed fifth in the 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, and 200 freestyle relay. He earned the team’s Hugh and Jack Dougherty/UD Alumni Association Team Most Valuable Player Award and also was named to the CAA Academic Honor Roll.
While in Georgia he participated in the FINA World Championships and was also named team Most Valuable Player at Princeton (NJ) High School.
Graduate Assistant Coach Levan Beridze