Sports
Root returns to GCU as associate swim coach
Story Links Grand Canyon University’s swimming and diving program has added a key piece to its coaching staff with the hiring of Paul Root, a GCU alumnus and accomplished coach across the Arizona swim scene who will now be the associate head coach. Root returns to GCU, where he was a […]
Grand Canyon University’s swimming and diving program has added a key piece to its coaching staff with the hiring of Paul Root, a GCU alumnus and accomplished coach across the Arizona swim scene who will now be the associate head coach.
Root returns to GCU, where he was a swimmer and 2013 graduate, following more than a decade of coaching experience at the club, high school, and collegiate levels. Most recently, Root served as head coach of the Arizona Dolphins from 2019 to 2025, leading the team to four top-10 finishes at the Western Senior Zones and helping produce 41 state records and a 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier.
“I could not be more excited to be returning to GCU, this is a full circle moment for me,” Root said. “Having watched the University grow over the last few years I am eager to help make GCU Swimming and Diving a premier NCAA destination. Lopes up!”
Root brings experience developing talent at every level. From 2020 to 2024, he was head coach at Boulder Creek High School, where his swimmers won four relay state titles and six individual state championships. He also helped launch the swimming program at Arizona Christian University, serving as the inaugural head coach for the men’s and women’s teams from 2016 to 2020. His time at ACU included five All-America honors and a 12th-place team finish for the women at nationals in 2019.
Root began his post-GCU career at Phoenix Swim Club, where he was Head of Development from 2013 to 2019, working with youth and junior swimmers. He also holds a leadership position in Arizona Swimming, serving as the organization’s Senior Vice Chair on the board of directors starting in 2025.
“We are thrilled to have Paul joining our staff,” said GCU head coach Steve Schaffer. “Paul will bring great energy to our recruiting and coaching, and he will have a huge impact on helping us in the emerging new era of NIL development. The fact that he is one of our alums just adds all of the upsides of bringing him into our staff.”
Root now rejoins a GCU program that is continuing to rise on the NCAA stage year after year.