Emma Sticklen, a three-time NCAA champion and NCAA record holder in the 200 butterfly from the University of Texas, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the University of Pennsylvania men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams. The announcement was made by Mike Schnur, Lou and Rene Kozloff Head Coach of Swimming.
“I am thrilled to add someone of Emma’s caliber and character to Penn Swimming,” Schnur said. “Her experiences as a three-time NCAA champion, an NCAA record holder, and multi-year member of the United States national team will be invaluable for our student athletes as they strive for Ivy, NCAA, and international excellence.”
Sticklen is recognized as one of Texas’ most accomplished swimmers, having secured her third consecutive NCAA title in the 200 fly in March. She became the first Longhorns women’s swimmer since Leigh Ann Fetter (1989-91) to win a national championship three years in a row. At the 2025 NCAA Championships in Federal Way, Washington, she earned seven All-America honors.
Before the NCAA Championships, Sticklen won three individual conference titles at the 2025 SEC Championships—in the 200 IM, 100 fly, and 200 fly—and contributed to two relay victories in the 200 medley and 200 free. She broke her own SEC record in the 200 fly during this meet.
In her senior year (2023-24), Sticklen set a pool record with a time of 1:50.99 while winning the NCAA title in the 200 fly. She also finished second in the 100 fly with a school-record time of 49.70 and placed eleventh in the 200 IM (1:54.19), earning multiple All-America honors at that meet. She claimed another conference title at UT’s final Big 12 Championships appearance by winning the 100 fly.
During her junior season (2022-23), Sticklen was named Big 12 Swimmer of the Year after winning her first national title in the 200 fly at NCAAs and earning All-America recognition across several events including relays. She also repeated as Big 12 champion in both individual and relay events.
As a sophomore at Texas, she collected two individual All-America honors at NCAAs and contributed to top-eight finishes in relay events while capturing four Big 12 titles.
Sticklen was also recognized academically as a first-team CSC Academic All-American for two consecutive years (2023-24 and 2024-25) after receiving third-team honors following her junior season.
Her experience extends beyond collegiate competition; she has been part of the United States national team and qualified twice for U.S. Olympic Trials.
Sticklen graduated from UT Austin with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science (2024) before completing her master’s degree from Moody College of Communication (2025). Originally from Katy, Texas, she attended Taylor High School and swam club for Katy Aquatics.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining the University of Pennsylvania as an assistant coach,” said Sticklen. “Penn Swimming has a strong tradition, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its continued success. I look forward to giving back to the team in their pursuit of excellence at the Ivy League, NCAA, and international levels.”
For more information on Penn swimming & diving programs or updates about their activities visit https://pennathletics.com/.
