Case Western Reserve University Head Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Coach Doug Milliken announced the hiring of Max Rowland to the role of Assistant Coach. Rowland will start at CWRU on Monday, August 3.
"I'm grateful to Doug Milliken and the athletic department's leadership for the opportunity to join this incredible institution and the Spartan program," Rowland said. "I'm honored to have the chance to coach such an exceptional group of student-athletes. It's a privilege to join the Spartan family, and I can't wait to get started!"
Rowland has served as the Assistant Swimming Coach at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, for the past three seasons. He was a member of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coaching Staff of the Year in 2024.
"During the interview process, it became crystal clear how enthusiastic and engaging Max is," Milliken said. "Max's energy is contagious and will be a great asset on the pool deck, within our department, and in recruiting. I am excited to have Max join us and bring his passion for the sport to our program."
While an assistant coach with the Scots, Rowland contributed to technical instruction and leadership, recruitment, and seasonal planning for the distance and IM training groups. He also instructed physical education classes, conducted year-round training for the masters swimming program, and led technical instruction for the 2025 Nike Swim Camp held on the Macalester campus.
Prior to his time in Saint Paul, Rowland attended Lake Forest College and competed for the Forester swimming and diving team. He claimed seven individual and relay conference titles in the Midwest Conference and qualified for the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships in 2020. Rowland graduated from the school in 2022 with a degree in communications.
During the pandemic, Rowland served as an assistant swimming coach at Omega Olympus Aquatics in Salt Lake City and as a remote volunteer assistant coach at LFC. He has also worked as an assistant coach at the club level for Lake Forest Swim Club, Edina Swim Club, and Riptide Swim Team. He was the head coach of the Highland Park High School Swimming and Diving Team for two years, mentoring four state qualifiers.
The CWRU swimming and diving teams are coming off another successful campaign at the national level. The Spartan women's team tied for 23rd in Division III and the CWRU men's team placed 33rd nationally. Their 2026-27 campaigns will begin in October.
