Coach Kirk — along with his two dogs, Cricket and Lulu — comes to HCA from Colorado Springs, where he served as the National Team High Performance Specialist for the past three years. 

With over 15 years of coaching experience, he has worked with everyone from age-group swimmers to Olympic medalists, U.S. National and National Junior Team members, and champions from the SEC, ACC and Big 10 conferences.

In addition to his significant on-deck coaching experience, Coach Kirk holds a PhD in Psychophysiology from Auburn University, where he focused on the language of learning, the mind-body connection, and performance under pressure. He also earned a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology and Human Performance from Indiana University, studying at the renowned Counsilman Center for the Science of Swimming.

Coach Kirk is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with the swimmers and student-athletes of Austin, Texas. He believes swimming is the ultimate sport for developing life skills — and he’s excited to partner with each athlete on their journey toward excellence.

Coaching Experience

  • National Team High Performance Specialist for USA Swimming

  • Attended the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris with Team USA

  • Traveled to multiple World Championship Meets with Team USA

  • USA National Team Coach

  • Assistant Coach & Sprint Group Lead Coach at UNC-Chapel Hill

  • Assistant Coach, Mid-Stroke Group at Indiana University

  • Assistant Coach & Sprint Group Lead Coach at Auburn University

  • Head High School Coach, Bloomington South High School

  • Indiana High School Coach of the Year

  • National High School Federation Sectional Coach of the Year

  • ASCA World Clinic Presenter: “Limits to Superior Performance”

  • Coauthor of a book chapter in “The Science of Swimming Faster”

  • Elite Instructor at SwimLabs Swim School

  • Lead High Performance Age Group Coach at Denver Swim Academy

  • Head Coach of the Masters Program for Doc Masters at Indiana University

  • Head Senior Coach at Counsilman Center Swim Team

Education

  • Ph.D. in Psychophysiology, Auburn University

  • M.A. in Exercise Physiology and Human Performance, Indiana University

  • B.A. in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University

Kirk Grand

Head Coach

  • “Kirk is a genius level stroke tactician who can also connect with people. He has a grassroots coaching style that not only develops the swimmer, but the person as well.”

    Wyatt Collins
    Former University of Texas Men’s Swimming Associate Head Coach and 5 time NCAA Team Championship winning coach

  • “When it comes to swimming knowledge, Kirk is undoubtedly one of the best in our sport! He has this incredible ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, and his commitment to building strong relationships with peers, athletes and parents is truly inspiring.”

    Abi Liu
    Women’s Team Head Coach for USA Swimming 2025 World Junior Championships 

    Head Coach of Bellevue Club Swim Team

  • “Even on the most challenging days, Kirk’s presence on deck was invariably a source of positivity and motivation. He has an innate talent for instilling confidence and extracting best efforts from his swimmers. His coaching goes beyond drills and technique; Kirk cultivates a mindset of resilience and perseverance.”

    Zach Apple
    Multi-time Olympic medalist and world record holder

  • “Kirk loves the sport of swimming, he knows the sport of swimming, and really knows how to take care of people.”

    Eddie Reese
    Hall of Fame University of Texas Head Swim Coach and 3 time Olympic Team Head Coach

Check back for additional coaching staff updates.