Hawaii Names Riley Hilbrandt Assistant Swimming Coach
The University of Hawaii adds Riley Hilbrandt to its staff to replace the outgoing assistant coach Christel Simms.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Swimming
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The University of Hawaii announced on October 16, 2026, that it has hired Riley Hilbrandt as its new assistant swimming and diving coach. Hilbrandt joins the program as it enters its first season in the Mountain West Conference.
Why it matters
The hire brings fresh leadership to a program that swept both the men's and women's Big West Championships last season. Hilbrandt steps into the role previously held by Christel Simms to support head coach Steve Allnutt.
Hilbrandt served as the head coach at Illinois State for two seasons before resigning in April 2026. Prior to that role, she spent three years from 2021 through 2024 as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at East Carolina University.
The players
Riley Hilbrandt
She is the newly appointed assistant swimming and diving coach at the University of Hawaii who previously led the Illinois State program.
Steve Allnutt
He serves as the head coach for the University of Hawaii swimming and diving program.
Christel Simms
She is the former assistant coach at the University of Hawaii whose departure created the opening for the new hire.
The details
Riley Hilbrandt fills the assistant coach vacancy left by Christel Simms at the University of Hawaii. The team, led by head coach Steve Allnutt, is transitioning into the Mountain West Conference this season.
Timeline
2013-2017: Hilbrandt competed as a collegiate swimmer at Nevada.
April 2026: Hilbrandt resigned from her position at Illinois State.
October 16, 2026: The University of Hawaii officially announced the hiring of Hilbrandt.
October 23-24, 2026: Hawaii is scheduled to compete in a dual meet against Grand Canyon.
Season Trajectory
This staff addition coincides with the program's debut in the Mountain West Conference, marking a significant transition for the university's athletics department. The team aims to maintain its competitive momentum after winning both men's and women's conference championships last season.
The coaching transition occurs just ahead of the program's scheduled dual meet against Grand Canyon on October 23 and 24. This change impacts the immediate support structure for athletes preparing for their inaugural season in the Mountain West Conference.
The takeaway
The appointment of Riley Hilbrandt signals an effort by the University of Hawaii to leverage her diverse collegiate coaching background. This strategic hire is intended to stabilize the coaching staff as the team navigates the competitive demands of its new conference.
What happens next
The Hawaii swimming and diving team is set to compete in a dual meet against Grand Canyon on October 23 and 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local collegiate athletics, visit Swimming.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SwimSwam.
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