FAIRFAX, Va. - Head Coach Peter Ward of the George Mason swimming and diving team has officially announced the hiring of Laura Wright as the new assistant coach. Wright joins the Patriots after coaching at her alma mater, the University of Maryland, last season.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to join the GMU family and I look forward to helping the men's and women's teams continue to excel in the CAA and on a national level," stated Wright. "It's great to come into this program at this point in the season and be able to feed off the team's energy. Right off the bat I get to travel with the team for the POD meet and I can't wait to see everyone in action."

Wright helped coach the Terrapins to a 4-4 overall record and a ninth-place finish in the ACC last season. She was an important part of the team's seasonal and daily workout planning and dryland development. She also served as the assistant recruiting coordinator, head of alumni relations and communications and was also an academic liaison. Additionally, her responsibilities included coordinating team travel logistics and maintaining NCAA compliance paperwork.

"We are excited about the addition of Laura to our coaching staff," commented Ward. "She has a lot of knowledge and experience and brings a lot of new ideas and strategies to the program. We are excited to learn from her and I think she will be instrumental in helping us succeed this season."

While a student-athlete at Maryland, Wright was a four-time All-American and was a member of the 2010 Maryland squad that finished in the Top-25 in the NCAA.

Wright graduated from Maryland in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology.