Ball State University Men's Swimming & Diving

Ball State Director of Athletics Beth Goetz announced the hiring of J. Agnew as the new swimming and diving head coach for the Cardinals in August of 2018. He now enters his eighth season in 2025-26. Agnew guided the men to a strong debut at the Missouri Valley Conference Championships in 2025, earning four medals and setting three program records. During the regular season, the men’s squad stamped a victory at the Butler Invitational for the second-consecutive year, placing first out of four teams. The women collected four medals and broke six program records at the 2025 MAC Championships. Agnew coached Payton Kelly to earn her second first team All-MAC honor after medaling in three freestyle events, including gold in the 50 freestyle and silver in both the 100 and 200. Anna Keen and Alexa Von Holtz earned second team All-MAC honors, combining for four podium finishes in their respective events. Agnew’s guidance showed on the national level as Kelly continued her medal collection, earning gold at the CSCAA National Invitational Championships in the 100 freestyle. The 2023-24 season saw Agnew’s Cardinals continue their climb as both squads posted strong showings at the MAC Championships. The men captured seven medals and broke 10 program records while scoring 414 points. Joey Garberick completed a sweep of the breaststroke events, winning the 100 for the fourth-straight season and becoming the first Cardinal to sweep those events since 2014. The men also saw success at the Bu

As announced by Ball State swimming & diving head coach J. Agnew, Colorado native James Boone joins the program as assistant coach for the 2025-26 season. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome James Boone to Ball State as our new assistant coach,” Agnew said. “He brings a sharp analytical mind to the sport with a unique ability to connect with and motivate his student athletes. His character and leadership traits are exactly what we look for in our Cardinals.” Prior to Ball State, Boone coached at Grandview High School in Aurora, Colo., the same school where he had been a student-athlete from 2011-15. As head coach of the girls program for two seasons from 2023-25, Boone guided six swimmers to continue their careers at the collegiate level. Boone’s leadership also aided the Wolves to achieve two all-American relays, including a top three state finish, and four school records. While leading the girls, Boone also served as an assistant coach for the Grandview boys program. From 2021-25, he played a key role in helping five swimmers reach the collegiate level while the program earned seven individual All-American awards, four All-American relays, including a second-place state finish, and celebrated six individual state champions. Under his guidance, the boys team set new school records in every event, including four records previously held by Boone since 2015. During this time, Boone also became a founding member of the Aspire Aquatics of Colorado staff, serving as the head se