Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Head coach Sergio Lopez Miro announced the addition of Emily Claesson ’26 as the newest assistant coach for Virginia Tech swimming and diving.
“We are very excited to have Emily Claesson as our newest assistant coach,” Lopez Miro said. “She has done an amazing job the last four years as a student-athlete and as a member of the women’s team. She is a leader by nature, and I am so excited about what she can bring to the table, not just with her knowledge, but with her passion for being a Hokie and for Virginia Tech. As a student-athlete, she always asked questions and wanted to improve, and she will be extremely valuable for us.”
Claesson joins the Hokie staff after being a four-year swimmer at Virginia Tech from 2022-26. As an assistant coach, Claesson will help recruit, teach, mentor and develop student-athletes for both men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs.
Claesson qualified for the NCAA Championships in four straight seasons and garnered Honorable Mention All-American honors all four years as a member of the freestyle relay teams. Most recently, Claesson placed 18th overall with the 200, 400 and 800 freestyle relay teams at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
“This program is so special and has been such an integral part of my life,” Claesson said. “Wearing maroon and orange for the last four years while calling Blacksburg my home has been nothing short of a blessing. Being a part of Virginia Tech Swim and Dive has given me so many opportunities and shaped me as a person. An opportunity like this, to support this amazing group of athletes, is a dream. I look forward to helping them develop as teammates, leaders, and people, both in and out of the water. I am honored to have the privilege of working with this amazing coaching staff and this incredible school. I am thrilled to be stepping into this role and am so excited for all to come!”
One of the most consistent swimmers in program history, Claesson’s name is all over the Virginia Tech record book. She swam on the school-record 400 freestyle relay team (3:12.45) at the 2026 ACC Championships. The Virginia Beach, Va., native is also fifth on the Top 10 list in the 400 medley relay (3:33.15), sixth in the 200 freestyle relay (1:28.65) and eighth in the 800 freestyle relay (7:03.27).
Individually, Claesson is also third in the record book with her 47.07 in the 100 freestyle and eighth in the 200 freestyle with her time of 1:46.46.A star in the classroom, Claesson graduated from Virginia Tech in Spring 2026 with her degree in public health. She is a four-time CSCAA Scholar All-American as well as a four-time All-ACC Academic Team honoree.
Claesson has also won a slew of team awards, including 2025 Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year, 2025 HOKIE Award, 2025-26 Student Athlete of the Year and three-time Spirit Award winner.