Contact Coach Etchison:
-Email: etchisoh@lafayette.edu
-Office/Cell: 917-549-5161
Hubert Etchison became the head diving coach at Lafayette in 2021. He returns to Lafayette after a
stint as a volunteer assistant diving coach back in 2012.
Etchison comes to the team with a wide variety of skills. Back in 2009, he was the head diving coach for
two regional teams at New York’s Empire State Games, where he coached two women’s finalists,
including a medal winner and scholarship diver who went on to dive for the University of Michigan.
From 2010-2020, Etchison was the associate manager, cheer coach, and competitive gymnastics team
coach for Twilight Gymnastics & Cheerleading.
In the personal achievement department, Etchison has had many shining moments. He began diving at
age 6, and was an AAU competitor and Junior Olympics finalist in his youth. He was also a state finalist
in diving and swimming in high school in Nebraska. After discovering the transfer of his skills to
gymnastics in high school, he excelled in that sport as well, accepting a full scholarship for gymnastics
at the University of Georgia.
His love for diving continued while in college, as he was a four-time intramural diving champion, but
declined multiple requests compete on the UGA Diving team in order to maintain excellence in his
studies.
Later, in his 40s, Etchison returned to competitive diving at New York’s Empire State Games. He was a
diving finalist for three straight years in the Open Men’s division on both 1 and 3 meter, competing
with several Division 1 and Division 2 college competitors/All-American candidates, decades his junior.
Away from the pool and gym, other hobbies of Etchison include long distance running, cooking,
racquetball, skiing, and golf.
"Hubert brings to Lafayette a wealth of knowledge and coaching experience in both diving and
gymnastics," says head coach, Jim Dailey. His skills and athleticism as a former scholarship gymnast at
the University of Georgia transferred perfectly into the sport of diving. I know many of our divers and
prospective student-athletes who have committed to Lafayette have had a greater experience in
gymnastics than the sport of diving. All of them have made the transition and now occupy a position on
the record boards or within the programs All Time Top 10."
"Hubert has coached diving at several different levels from beginner to elite. He has coached locally,
gymnastics, diving and cheerleading. He has coached age group and college age divers in the Empire
State Games in New York for the region. His knowledge of biomechanics is excellent, and, even as a
volunteer assistant, we have seen his infectious enthusiasm, light-hearted approach to enjoying the
experience of college diving and dedication to encouraging excellence in the sport as well as the
classroom.”
"Hubert understands what it takes to be a great student-athlete. His philosophy of committing to the
academic mission of the school first and then creating opportunities through diving to further the
experience of our student-athletes and enhance the outcomes of their efforts in whatever comes after
graduation is perfect for what we do here at Lafayette College. That's exactly what our entire staff
believe in."
"He is outstanding member of the staff and a contributor to the long-term success of our program. I
look forward to a lasting relationship that will only grow stronger and more successful."
Updated 7/22
