Albion, Mich. - Todd Bates has been hired as the new Dive Coach for the Albion Swim & Dive Programs. 

Todd Bates has over two decades of experience in West Michigan. Since 2005, he has coached diving programs across multiple educational institutions, including Hillsdale College (2009–2012), Olivet College (2016–2018), and numerous school districts: Hastings Middle and High School, Delton Kellogg Middle and High School, Thornapple Kellogg, Wayland, West Catholic, and West Michigan Aviation Academy. Coach Bates' success is reflected in his extensive record of achievement with his athletes breaking countless pool, school and college records. He has coached multiple N.I.S.C.A. and AAU All- Americans and athletes have won the MHSAA Division 2 Girls' State Championship (2024), Division 1 Region 3 Championship (2024), Division 2 Region 6 Championship (2025), and the M.I.S.C.A Championship (2025). In recognition of his excellence, Bates was named the 2024 Division 2 Diving Coach of the Year and Barry County Coach of the Year (2009–2025). Bates founded and directs the Hastings Community Diving Club, where he serves as head coach for year-round programming in 1m, 3m, and platform diving for youth, collegiate, and masters-level athletes. Recently one of his club divers qualified for the AAU National Team and Todd will be traveling to Poland as part of the international competition season. He is committed to making the sport of diving more accessible and provides scholarships and resources to athletes in need. Bates brings a distinguished athletic background to his coaching career. He attended WVC and is former professional high diver and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) stunt diver/performer, he placed 6th in the World Cliff Diving Championships in Acapulco, Mexico, 5th in the World High Diving Competition in Switzerland in the
1990s and early 2000s and in 2004, he earned multiple medals at the U.S. Masters Nationals in Miami,Ohio, including gold, silver, and bronze medals in 1m, 3m, synchro and 10m platform events.

"We are thrilled to bring Todd and his expertise to our program. He brings in an abundance of expertise with having coaches at the club, high school, and collegiate level. I am confident he will help our current divers reach their fullest potential along with helping bring in new divers to come." said Head Swim Coach Eric Murray. 

The Brits open their season in the pool on Saturday October 10th as they travel to Kalamazoo.