Providence Hires Anthony Randall as Head Coach
Providence on Tuesday announced the hiring of Anthony Randall as the program’s head swim coach and aquatics director.
Randall arrives after five seasons as the head coach of the men’s and women’s programs at Marist. He replaces John O’Neill, who retired in March after two stints lasting 36 years in charge of the Friars.
Randall will oversee all aspects of the men’s and women’s teams at PC as well as the operations of Taylor natatorium.
“I am truly honored and excited to join Providence College as the head swimming coach,” Randall said in a press release. “Providence is a special place with a strong tradition of excellence, and I am grateful to the administration and leadership for the opportunity to be a part of this community. I want to thank everyone involved in the process for their trust and support. I am especially excited for the opportunity to build upon the incredible legacy that John O’Neill has established throughout his distinguished career. His impact on the program, its student-athletes and the broader Providence community has been extraordinary, and I have tremendous respect for all that he has accomplished. I look forward to learning from the strong foundation he has created and working with our student-athletes and staff to continue moving the program forward.”
At Marist, Randall led the Red Foxes to the men’s MAAC Championship in 2024, earning conference coach of the year honors. He mentored 21 conference champions, two MAAC Rookies of the Year and three Senior Sportspersons of the Year.
Randall was previously at Fresno State from 2016-21, as an assistant coach and associate head coach for the women’s team. He swam at Rhode Island, graduating in 2008, a sprinter who made the Atlantic 10 conference finals all four years. He coached URI’s club team, which captured the National Club Championship in 2011, then was an associate head coach of the Rhode Island varsity team from 2011-16.
In 2014, Randall was recognized by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America with the Jean Freeman Award, one of six assistant coaches lauded annually for “exceptional contributions (that) have brought recognition to their institution.”
“We are excited to welcome Anthony and his family to Friartown,” Athletic Director Steve Napolillo said. “Anthony showed incredible passion, energy and excitement throughout the interview process. We look forward to Anthony building on Coach O’Neill’s legacy moving forward.”
