Spartanburg Day School

Spartanburg Day School has named Molly Duesterhaus as the new head coach of the Griffins swimming program, bringing extensive collegiate coaching experience and a record of championship success back to the pool deck.

Duesterhaus is no stranger to Spartanburg Day School. She previously coached the varsity boys and girls swim teams from 2008-2015 and again in fall 2023. During her earlier tenure, the girls program captured the South Carolina Independent School Association Division II state championships in 2013 and 2014 and finished as runner-up in 2011 and 2012. The boys team won back-to-back state titles in 2013 and 2014 and was runner-up in 2011.

She also earned Spartanburg Herald-Journal All-Area Swim Coach of the Year honors from 2011 through 2014.

Brigid Duesterhaus, Molly’s daughter, led the Griffins swim program to boys and girls state championships in 2024 and state runner-up in 2025. Molly served as an assistant coach to Brigid and takes over from a position of strength.

Duesterhaus served as director of swimming, head men’s and women’s swim coach, and head triathlon coach at Millikin University, an NCAA Division III institution in Decatur, Illinois. During her tenure there, her swimming programs produced 129 conference top 16 finishes, 12 all-conference honorees, and two conference champions in three events.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Spartanburg Day School,” Duesterhaus said. “All five of my children attended SDS and were part of the swim program, so this place is deeply personal to me. What started with my own kids and their friends grew into something truly special. Student-athletes from other programs, including baseball and soccer, joined us as part of their off-season conditioning, and together we built a culture that has continued to thrive.

“I love building something from the ground up, and I compete to win,” said continued. “Spartanburg Day School offers an environment that challenges students academically while supporting them athletically. Our program will focus first on mastering technique, then developing strength, speed, and confidence. Swimming is honest, the clock tells the story. Meet wins and championships are exciting, but they are icing on the cake compared to seeing a young person discover just how strong and capable they truly are.”

In addition to her work in the pool, Duesterhaus was named the College Triathlon Coaches Association NCAA Division III Coach of the Year in 2022. Her triathlon teams finished as national runner up in 2021 and placed third nationally in 2018, 2019, and 2022.

“Molly brings a rare combination of elite coaching experience across youth and collegiate levels, academic leadership, and a deep understanding of our school community,” said Dave Skeen, SDS Head of School. “We are thrilled to welcome her back to the Griffin family to lead our swim program once again.”

Duesterhaus holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University and has served in senior leadership roles in higher education, including Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Converse College.

Spartanburg Day School Director of Athletics and Special Projects Mike Cerino said Duesterhaus’ return signals more than competitive success this fall.

“Building a program the right way starts with leadership that values growth, responsibility, and a team environment where students feel both challenged and cared for,” he explained. “That is exactly what Molly brings to our swim teams. She creates a culture of accountability and encouragement, and our swimmers will be challenged and supported as they grow not only as competitors but as young people of character. We look forward to the standard she will continue to uphold and the energy she will bring to our campus.”

Accompanying photo: Molly Duesterhaus (right) coaching alongside her daughter, Brigid.