WOLFVILLE, N.S. - Acadia University and the Department of Athletics announced today, the hiring of Kris Bell as the new head coach of the Acadia swim team.

"From several applicants, Kris Bell surfaced as the most qualified coach who showed great success at various levels of coaching at the Toronto Swim Club and beyond. The Acadia swim program has a storied history that includes a recent 2019-20 AUS men's swimming championship along with two women's National championships and we are excited that he will lead the program in the years to come. We are thrilled that Kris has accepted the position as head coach of the Acadia Swim team and that he will make Wolfville home for he and his family," said Chris Callbeck, Acadia University's Vice-President of Finance and Administration and CFO.

Bell leaves the Toronto Swim Club as an assistant coach since 2016, where he worked with the National and Junior programs.

Following the 2012 Olympics, Bell returned to coaching and became the head coach of the Comox Valley Aquatic Club from 2013 to 2016.

Following his swimming career with the York Swim Club, Bell moved to Timmins, Ontario where he began coaching with the Timmins Marlins where he founded the master's swim program.  Returning to Toronto, Bell joined the coaching staff of the York Swim Club and then later joined the Etobicoke Swim Club where he coached from 1999 to 2008 before taking a four-year hiatus to raise his family until 2012. 

"Before accepting the position, I had the chance to walk the campus and Athletics Complex. I immediately felt the excitement of the history and pride of Acadia Athletics and I wanted to be apart of it. I am excited to join the Acadia family and get back to the pool deck to work with the team. I and my family are excited to be a part of a university community, cheering on all the sports teams" noted Bell.

Bell has coached swimmers to over 30 Provincial and National records along with several Provincial and National team coach selections.

His professional achievements over his 20 years of coaching include coaching swimmers to 50+ National and Ontario Age Group Records; 10+ Regional Records - Vancouver Island while with the Comox Valley Aquatic Club; ten Junior High & senior National qualifiers; and developed two Olympian & 12 Senior National team members.

His personal achievements as a swimming coach include 2014 Team Canada World Junior Open Water Staff, 2008 NACC Team Canada Coaching Staff, 2005-2008 Ontario Tri Camp/Tour Team Staff Selection, 2006-2007 Ontario Provincial 12 & under Coach of the Year, Male and Female, 2002-2008, 2013 to current Domestic Excellence Award – National Event Winner, 2014 - Swim BC Coach of the Year, 15- to 17-year-olds and the 2016 CSCTA Coaching Excellence Award – Olympic Medalist recognition.

The Axewomen and Axemen swim team return to sport this coming fall, opening the 2021-22 season at home on October 16-17 with the annual Jack Scholz Meet.