Hall of Fame
ALUMNI COACH
A 1976 and 1977 All-American as a member of Lee Ahlbrecht’s Bemidji State swimming and diving team (1973-77) and 1979 graduate assistant coach under the legendary head coach, Duane Sorenson transitioned from success in the pool to success as a coach during the past 37 years. Currently in his 17th season as head coach of NCAA Division I Iowa State University swimming and diving program, Sorenson’s student-athletes have earned All-Big XII honors 37 times, and all of ISU’s current swimming records have come during his tenure. He has a 79-67 (.541) dual meet record at ISU and has had 12 Cyclone athletes compete in 23 different events at the NCAA Championships. ISU consistently leads the league in Academic All-Big XII selections.
Prior to joining the college ranks, Sorenson coached club swimming and high school programs for 20 years. He began his career as head coach of the South East Metro Sharks (SEMS) Swim Club. He was named American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA) Minnesota Coach of the Year in 1987 and ASCA Senior Coach of the Year in 1989, '90, '95 and '97. In the 20 years he spent coaching the club, his swimmers set three national USA Swimming relay records and the club won five team state championships
He also coached at Tartan High School (1977-78), before stints at Park Senior High School (1979-81) and Park/Woodbury High School (WHS) (1982-85). The bulk of his prep coaching career was spent coaching the WHS girl's team. While at WHS, Sorenson’s teams captured four conference titles, four sectional championships, a state runner up finish and a state title. He was named 1991 Minnesota State Coach of the Year for his efforts.
