After another successful year, Coach Crossen begins his 15th season with the SUA Lions, and over 25 years of college and club experience. During this time, his teams have broken over 50 school records and consistently have teams in the top 20 of the NAIA. In addition, he currently is one of the most tenured coaches in the NAIA providing leadership and guidance towards the organization.
Crossen competed at the University of Southern California, then coached by current USA Swimming National Team Director, Mark Schubert. After earning his degree in Exercise Science from USC, Crossen began his coaching career at Auburn University, working with perennial NCAA coach of the year, David Marsh. While at Auburn, he assisted the women's team to place in the top 10 and helped the men with win the 1999 NCAA championships.
After completing his Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology in 2000, Crossen would join Teri McKeever, at the University of California, Berkeley. During this time he assisted in the rise of USA swimming superstar, Natalie Coughlin.
Â
Prior to taking over the Soka swimming program, Coach Crossen served as Dave Salo's right hand man, responsible for NCAA compliance, recruiting coordinator, strength and conditioning, and on deck coaching at the University of Southern California. During his only season at USC, the team had three individual NCAA championships (Rebecca Soni- 200 Breast, Larson Jensen- 500 & 1650 Freestyle).
Â
Prior to USC, Crossen was instrumental in helping Salo inaugurate the Soka University Swim Team and their transition into the NAIA. Crossen spent three years assisting coach Salo with the Irvine Novaquatics and Soka University where he played an integral role in working with the NOVA team that saw 25 athletes compete in the 2004 Olympic Trials, while placing four members on the USA Olympic Team.
Â
Coach Crossen is also currently the Associate Head Coach of the Irvine Novaquatics working with a national group that trains out of Soka University. In addition to his tremendous Soka results, his club swimmers have performed as a Top 10 national program highlighted by winning the 2018 Summer Junior Nationals.
Crossen and his wife, Julie reside in Anaheim Hills, CA. They are the proud parents of three boys, Cole, Case and Carter.
Â