SELINSGROVE, PA - Susquehanna University Director of Athletics Sharief Hashim has appointed John Funk as the River Hawks' new men's and women's swimming and diving head coach ahead of the 2025-26 season. Funk comes just down the road following a seven-year run as the top assistant coach at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. He is a 2013 graduate of Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J., competing for the Broncs that saw him set new program and conference records. 

"John's coaching experience, recruiting success, and student-centered approach make him a terrific fit for Susquehanna," related Hashim. "He understands how to build relationships with student-athletes while maintaining a competitive edge in the pool. We are excited to welcome John and his family to Selinsgrove."

About John Funk

"First off, I am honored to accept the head swimming and diving coach position at SU. Secondly, I want to thank Susquehanna University, the athletics program and Sharief Hashim for giving me this opportunity and believing in me. I look forward to continue building upon the rich history of academic and athletic excellence at SU. I am excited to lead, inspire and grow with this incredible group of student athletes and staff."

In Funk's seven years with the Bison the women's team finished as high as second at the Patriot League Championships, while the men's team reached as high as third. He was the program's recruiting coordinator and assisted in writing strength and conditioning programs, including composing dry land workouts. In his time on the Lewisburg campus the Bison boasted over 50 All-Patriot Leaguers. Funk also was head coach of the Lewisburg Gators club team since 2019, overseeing over 100 swim team members ranging from ages 5-18 and a coaching staff ranging from 12-15 people.

At Rider, Funk compiled an outstanding swimming career with the Broncs as the program won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship in 2012 and 2013, and was a three-time team MVP. A three-time MAAC conference champion and record holder, he posted an NCAA B Cut 1:47.56 in the 200-yard individual medley at the 2012 MAAC Championships. Funk also swam a career-best 1:47.90 in the 200-yard backstroke at the 2012 MAAC Championships. A US Open Qualifier, Funk also competed collegiately in the 100-yard butterfly, the 400-yard individual medley and was part of an 800-yard free relay team that set a school record (6:40.21) at the 2012 ECAC Championships. Funk graduated from Rider in May, 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education/English.

A native of Las Vegas, Nev., Funk earned his Master of Liberal Arts degree from Texas Christian University, while serving as a graduate assistant for the Horned Frogs during the 2013-14 season. The following year he was promoted to assistant coach, a role he served in until 2018. He served as a stroke group coach for the breaststroke and butterfly swimmers and served as the men's team coordinator, NCAA compliance liaison, and recruiting coordinator. The men's team placed third at the Big 12 Championships each year from 2016 to 2018, as well as the women placing fifth consecutively. 

Funk attended Southeast Career and Technical Academy in Las Vegas, Nev. where he swam and played varsity soccer. As a high school swimmer, he captured the 200-yard backstroke title at the 2009 Nevada State Meet and won the 100-yard backstroke at the 2008 Nevada High School State Championship. He was also a USA Junior National Qualifier and USA Winter National Qualifier.