Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG– Virginia Tech head coach Sergio Lopez Miro announces the addition of four-time Olympian, Albert Subirats as an assistant coach, rounding out the swimming and diving staff for his inaugural season with the Hokies.
"I've known Albert for years," said Lopez Miro. "We tried to work together many times when he was a swimmer, and while that never happened we did build a great friendship. He contacted me immediately when I arrived in Blacksburg and I'm honored that Albert chose to start his coaching career here at Virginia Tech. His experience as a four-time Olympian and NCAA Champion - both individually and with a team - will help our athletes grow. I know that his positive energy and enthusiasm will be a perfect fit with our team."
Subirats is a four-time Olympic qualifier for Venezuela, having made the cut in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. In 2007 he claimed Venezuela's first (and only to date) long-course medal, winning bronze in the 100 fly at the World Championships and in 2010 he was the World Champion in the 50m fly.
He holds the Venezuelan long course records individually in the 100m free, 50m fly, 100m fly (also the South America record) and 100m backstroke. Along with his relay teammates, Subirats holds records in the 4x100m free relay and 4x100m medley relay. He is a three-time winner of Venezuela's Sportsman Athlete of the Year, taking the title in 2006, 2007 and 2009 and is the most decorated swimmer in the history of the South American and Central American Games.
"I am very thankful for the opportunity Coach Sergio and the administration at Virginia Tech have given me," said Subirats. "I cannot wait to start working with such a talented coaching staff and group of athletes. I believe this team can achieve anything under the leadership of Sergio and the rest of the staff, I feel ready for this great challenge."
Collegiately, Subirats swam for the University of Arizona 2004-07. While with the Wildcats, Subirats claimed three NCAA individual titles, winning the 100yd fly both his junior and senior years as well as the 100yd back during his junior campaign. He also helped the Wildcats to five relay titles during his career. In 2008, he won Arizona's Sapphire Award given to the top male athlete. For his accomplishments, Subirats was inducted into the University of Arizona Hall of Fame in 2017.
Subirats graduated from Arizona in 2009 with a degree in business administration. In addition, he holds an MBA from Nova Southeastern, having graduated in 2016.