Stanfield has spent the previous six seasons as an assistant coach with the Runnin’ Bulldogs and was promoted to Associate Head Coach in June 2017.
“Josh deserves this after several great years with us,” said head coach Mike Simpson in June of 2017. “He has coordinated recruiting and directed our efforts that resulted in another stellar class for the 2017-2018 season. He has also overseen the stroke and distance groups during his time here and has done a fabulous job. Josh understands this place and it shows in his work and with the way he relates to our student-athletes.”
In 2017-18, Stanfield and the other staff members coached a team that recorded 151 lifetime bests, three CCSA champions (two relays, one individual) and five NCAA B cuts. Stanfield was part of a staff in 2016-17 that helped produce 176 personal-best times, four individual CCSA Champions, 10 Gardner-Webb school records, 16 All-CCSA swimmers and 41 Academic All-CCSA selections.
Senior Connor Bos earned a host of individual awards following a fine final season, including the George A. Christenberry Award for academic excellence and a spot on the 2017 CoSIDA Academic All-District III at-large team.
“I would like to thank Mike Simpson, the entire athletics administration and support staffs for this opportunity,” said Stanfield. “It would not be possible without their direction, assistance and support. I have the privilege to work with quality student-athletes, both current and former, who make this job fun each day. I would like to thank them for that.
“I also would like to personally thank Mike for bringing me on board five years ago. His leadership has allowed me to develop into the coach and person I am today. I am beyond blessed to be in this position and I look forward to continuing our positive momentum forward.”
Stanfield joined the Gardner-Webb coaching staff as an assistant coach in September 2012.
A four-year letter-winner in swimming at Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas), Stanfield has held the Volunteer Assistant Coach position at Southwestern in addition to holding an age group coaching role at Nitro Swimming (Cedar Park, Texas).
At Southwestern, Stanfield was a part of a staff that guided the Pirates to fourteen new school record, one NCAA qualifier, and one conference champion. Stanfield also played a valuable role in helping Southwestern's women's swim team achieve a national CSCAA ranking in overall GPA.
At Nitro Swimming, Stanfield's vital contributions to the club's 14 & under program led to five consecutive State Championships. Stanfield was the primary coach for multiple individual state champions at Nitro Swimming, as well as several sectional and national qualifiers.
Stanfield was a team captain as a senior at Southwestern, the same year he received the school's Pirate Anchor Award describing the male student-athlete most dedicated to the university, community, and team. He is a two-time school record holder for the Pirates, and a finalist in the 100 and 200 backstroke at 2010 SCAC Conference Championships.
