TACOMA, Wash. - Matt Sellman, the architect of the powerhouse Pacific Lutheran University men's and women's swimming programs, has announced his resignation as head coach to pursue other opportunities. 
 
"I've loved my time at PLU. I'm very proud of what our team has been able to accomplish in these 12 years. When I returned to campus in 2010, I never would have thought we would do so much. What I will miss the most is building impactful relationships with my student-athletes and my colleagues. I have gained so much from the people that I have worked alongside and the young women and men we built our culture with. It really has been a special time and I will miss that," said Sellman.
 
"I've loved how our program has lived the 'Excellence is Contagious' philosophy. Striving for and achieving excellence in all areas of their lives, and promoting it in others, with integrity, commitment, ethics, and fun."
 
A Lute alum, Sellman has served as head coach for the Lutes since the 2010-2011 season. In 12 seasons as coach, Sellman won Northwest Conference Coach of the Year four times, while guiding the PLU women's swimming team to NWC titles in 2014, 2015, and 2016. His tenure included the women's program winning 38 NWC individual and relay titles and the men winning six.
 
Sellman's squads were a powerhouse in dual meet competition with the women winning seven consecutive NWC dual meet titles and the men and women combining for a 147-46 dual meet record over the past 12 years. 
 
His tenure included coaching the program's first ever female NCAA Championships qualifier in Kaycee Simpson. In all, Sellman coached NCAA qualifiers in the 2018, 2019, and 2022 seasons.
 
"I'd like to thank Matt for the incredible impact he's made over the past 12 years," said Athletic Director Mike Snyder. 
 
"Matt's elevated the swim programs into championship contenders and has built a championship culture that extends beyond the pool, developing leaders in the classroom and the community. Matt's leaving the program in a better place than when he first arrived on campus and we wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career."
 
As an undergraduate at PLU, Sellman was a three-time All-American and a three-time Academic All-American while winning the Lutes' Man of the Year in Sport Award in 1996. 
 
PLU will conduct a nationwide search for the next Head Coach of the men's and women's swimming programs.