ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – St. Bonaventure men's and women's swimming and diving will undergo a change in leadership for the 2026-27 season as head coach Mike Smiechowski has announced his resignation to accept a position on staff at Penn State.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Coach Smiechowski for his unwavering dedication to St. Bonaventure University and our Men's and Women's Swimming programs," said Bob Beretta, Bonnies Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Beyond results in the pool, Mike has been a tireless mentor, shaping the lives of student-athletes and leaving an indelible mark on our campus and in the local community. We wish Mike the absolute best as he begins a new chapter at Penn State and thank him for a job well-done. We will move swiftly to identify the best leader to build on the success for our Men's and Women's Swimming programs."

Smiechowski directed the Bonnies swimming programs since July 2022 and helped guide an upward trajectory for both teams. Bona's men's team placed third at this year's Atlantic 10 Championships, one year removed from a second-place finish which was the best for the program since 2016.

Bona's women's team finished sixth at the 2026 Atlantic 10 Championships, best for the Bonnies since 2020. The squad was led by three medals from Anna Bojana Forjan, including two A-10 titles in the 100-back and 200-free.

During Smiechowski's tenure, Bonnies men's swimmers established 12 new program records while the women have set 11 program benchmarks.

"I want to thank the entire St. Bonaventure community for taking a chance on me four years ago and embracing me as a part of their own," Smiechowski said. "Bona's Swim and Dive has the best alumni support and community I have ever worked with, and it was a privilege to lead the program. Although it is bittersweet to leave, I feel proud that we were able to leave this team better than we found it.

"Thank you to all the athletes that I have had the honor of coaching, and all the assistant swim and dive coaches who dedicated so much of their time and energy to helping this program grow and succeed. I am excited for the future of SBU Swim and Dive."

A national search for the next leader of Bonnies swimming and diving will begin immediately.