Gardner Howland Conejo Simi Aquatics, a club team serving the Simi Valley and Conejo Valley areas, announced that Gardner Howland has been appointed head coach and director of swimming.

Howland joins CSA after a 14year tenure with Pilot Aquatics Club in Knoxville, Tenn., where he coached numerous junior nationals, nationals and Olympic trials qualifiers.

Howland brings more than 20 years of experience successfully managing teams and coaching swimmers.

Howland is a fivetime recipient of the Southeastern Swimming Coach of the Year award and an inductee into the Tennessee Swimming Hall of Fame.

He has served on numerous USA Swimming teams including head coach for the United States National Junior Team in 2003-2004 and 2007-2008, assistant coach for the United States Goodwill Games team in 2001, head coach for the United States National Junior Team Camp in 2003, and for the US Swimming Zone Distance Camp in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

Prior to joining Pilot, Howland served as CSA's head coach from 1991 through 1994 and previously was head age group coach and head Masters coach for the Santa Barbara Swim Club from 1985 to 1991.

In addition to his successful coaching career, Howland was a notable athlete himself. He was a seven-time national YMCA champion, a National YMCA record holder, a high school and NAIA All-American and an Olympic Trials qualifier.

Originally from Southern California, Howland is excited to return to his roots and be part of SoCal swimming again.

"Conejo Simi Aquatics has provided a quality competitive swimming program since its founding," he said.

"The people and the aquatic resources of the Conejo and Simi Valleys combine for unlimited potential. I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead CSA and to train its athletes."