York College has announced the addition of Paulana Lamonier '13 to the men’s and women’s swimming program as co-head coach.
No stranger to York, Lamonier was a class of 2013 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lamonier competed as a member of the Cardinals’ women's swimming team from 2009-13.
“I am truly honored to be passed the torch and assist in cultivating new talent that York College has,” says Lamonier. “Being an alumnae and former captain is truly a full-circle moment. It was in the very pool that I fell in love with swimming and coaching, and now, I can use all my years of experience to help usher in the new wave of swimmers. Go, Cardinals!”
Competing at four CUNYAC Championship meets, Lamonier produced 67-career points across 19 events. In total, Lamonier represented York in the 50/100/200/500/1650-yard freestyle, 100/200-yard butterfly, 400-yard individual medley, 200/400/800-yard freestyle relay and 200/400-yard medley relay events at CUNYAC Championships from 2010-13.
Featured in Sports Illustrated’s 100 influential Black women in sports, Lamonier is the founder and CEO of Black People Will Swim, a purpose-driven organization working to
encourage Black and Brown people to learn how to swim. She nurtured her love for swimming and became inspired to teach others how to conquer their fear of water.
Certified by the American Red Cross as a Water Safety Instructor Lifeguard, for over a decade, Lamonier has shared her passion for swimming by working with swim clubs, teams, and gyms to build a community with her students.
From 2010-14, Lamonier was the assistant swimming coach and recruiter for Nu-Finmen Swim Club. She also served as aquatics coordinator at South Queens Parks Association (SQPA) from 2012-13.
Lamonier spent nearly four years at the Jamaica YMCA from 2011-15 as a swimming instructor, lifeguard and deck supervisor.
Hailing from Uniondale, New York, Lamonier graduated from Uniondale High School.
