Former Olympic Diving Champion Elizabeth Mackay Joins Biola University as Head Diving Coach

Biola University just made news when it announced that Elizabeth Mackay, a distinguished former Olympic athlete and communications entrepreneur, has been named their new Head Diving Coach for the university’s athletics program. Mackay’s unique blend of experience that includes elite competitive athletics and leadership expertise brings Biola’s diving program an unmatched competitive edge, solidifying its commitment to cultivating the next generation of divers.

Biola Head Swim & Dive coach Director Nathan Harding said of Mackay: "I am extremely excited to have Coach Elizabeth join our coaching staff in August of this year! In the few short months she has been with us, I have seen a significant impact with dive progressions and dive team morale. Elizabeth brings a wealth of knowledge to help our dive program continue to grow. I'm excited to continue to watch our divers develop and thrive as student-athletes under her leadership. Elizabeth also understands the unique student-athlete experience that Biola provides, and she is eager to help recruit student-athletes who fit this Christ-centered student experience."

Elizabeth Mackay

Elizabeth Mackay’s athletic career has been nothing short of extraordinary. A five-time Canadian National Champion on the 10-meter platform, she qualified for both the 3-meter and 10-meter events at the 1980 Olympic Games. Her career includes stellar performances at international competitions, such as the Commonwealth Games, FINA World Games, and Pan-Am Games, with finishes that cemented her legacy as one of Canada’s most skilled divers.

After retiring from competitive diving, Mackay seamlessly transitioned her drive and discipline into a remarkable professional career. She served as Press Secretary for the Canadian Department of Fitness and Amateur Sport, later taking on leadership roles in Quebec’s government, including as Chief of Staff and Assistant Deputy Manager.

As she made tremendous strides in her thriving professional journey, Mackay’s passion for diving never waned. “Diving has been the cornerstone of my journey, shaping everything I've done and driving my passion to constantly improve and strive for excellence,” Mackay says. “The lessons I’ve gained extend far beyond the pool. I believe the greatest gift we can share is the drive to always aim higher, embrace challenges, and never give up.” She has  continued to fulfill her love for diving by coaching the Valley Dive Club and Charger Dive Club, where she specialized in nurturing young talent and preparing Junior Olympic athletes for the challenges of competitive diving. Eric Lesser, founder of the Charger Dive Club, says "When I founded Charger Dive Club in 2021, I had no experience with designing programs to develop young divers to an elite level. Elizabeth Mackay was able to guide me through the contracts with facility managers, determine the equipment needs for dryland training, and create a monthly budget to build a financially sound club program.  Her experience as an elite diver who has qualified for the Olympic Games has enabled her to identify talent at the youth level, develop the programs and progressions that advance the athletes to a competitive level, and ultimately enable the divers to achieve their goals." Known for her innovative training programs and motivational leadership, Mackay inspires her athletes to achieve their personal best both in and out of the pool.

Proving that it’s never too late to use your skills to make an impact, Mackay says that she is “honored to join Biola University, and excited to help build a program that emphasizes excellence, perseverance, and the joy of competition.”

In her new role as Head Diving Coach, Mackay will bring her knowledge of the sport, along with her proven ability to mentor and guide young athletes, to Biola’s diving program. She now dedicates herself to equipping the next generation of divers with the skills, confidence, and determination to succeed.

Elizabeth Mackay

With a résumé that blends Olympic-caliber expertise and high-level professional accomplishments, Elizabeth Mackay is a standout addition to Biola University’s athletic department. Her arrival is a testament to the belief that women can achieve anything they set their minds to—whether it’s reaching for the highest levels of sport, excelling in professional endeavors, or shaping the future as a mentor and leader.