PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Jake Alexander as the next Head Swimming Coach for the Firehawks.
Alexander comes to UT Southern after spending the 2025-26 season at Oakland City University, where he was selected as the inaugural head coach for the Mighty Oaks men's and women's swimming programs. Prior to his collegiate coaching experience, Alexander amassed more than 15 years of coaching experience at the age group and club levels, including eight years as head coach of the Wabash Valley Swim Team in Vincennes, Indiana.
"We are excited to welcome Jake and his family to the UT Southern community," said Brandie Paul, Vice Chancellor for Athletics. "Jake has demonstrated a tremendous ability to successfully develop swimmers at every stage of their athletic journey while also building strong and sustainable programs. His passion for teaching the sport, commitment to student-athlete success, and proven track record of helping swimmers reach their potential made him stand out throughout the search process. We are confident he will be an outstanding leader for our swimming program and a great addition to Firehawk Athletics."
During his tenure with the Wabash Valley Swim Team, Alexander helped transform the program, growing its roster from approximately 20 swimmers to more than 50 athletes. His leadership and commitment to athlete development established a strong culture of success while helping swimmers improve both in and out of the pool.
Before taking over as head coach of Wabash Valley, Alexander served as an assistant coach with an age-group club program in Huntingburg, Indiana, as well as the Vincennes Swim Team. Throughout his coaching career, he has worked extensively with swimmers of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing technical development, competitive excellence, and personal growth.
Alexander began his competitive swimming career at Southridge High School, where he was part of four consecutive Pocket Athletic Conference championship teams. As a senior, he captured the conference title in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Following high school, Alexander continued his swimming career at Vincennes University. During his two seasons with the Trailblazers, he qualified for the NJCAA National Championships in both years.
"I am honored and excited for the opportunity to join UT Southern and lead the swimming program," said Alexander. "I look forward to building strong relationships with our student-athletes, helping them reach their goals in and out of the pool, and representing the university and community with pride. This is an exciting time for Firehawk Athletics, and I cannot wait to get started."
Alexander and his wife, along with their two daughters, will make the move to Tennessee as he begins his tenure with the Firehawks.
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