July 17, 2001

LAS VEGAS - Lauralyn Beckley joins the UNLV swimming and diving program as an assistant swimming coach, as announced by Head Coach Jim Reitz on Wednesday. Beckley replaces Scott Bonine, who moved to South Carolina to coach a club team.

Beckley, a native of Yorktown, Va., comes to UNLV after having served three seasons as an assistant at California State-Northridge.

"After an exhaustive search, we feel we've found the right person for the job," said Reitz. "Lauralyn is a great coach and comes from a very good program. We are excited to have her on board."

Prior to her work with the Matadors, Beckley served as the head swimming coach for the Marlbank Recreation Association from May of 1995 to August of 1996. In addition to her duties at Marlback, Beckley was a volunteer teacher's aide at Blacksburg United Methodist Preschool from January to May of 1998.

Beckley's first coaching experience came in 1993 as an assistant coach for the Coast Guard Blue Dolphins in Yorktown, Pa.

A four-year letterwinner in swimming at Virginia Tech, Beckley was recognized as the team's Most Dedicated Swimmer in 1994 and served as the senior academic mentor and team captain in 1997, and 1998. She excelled in her studies and was named to the Athletic Directors Honor Roll as a senior.

Beckley earned a bachelor of science degree in family and child development from Virginia Tech in August of 1998.