Wheaton College (MA)

Barrett Roberts '07 is in his 12th season as Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving coach at Wheaton in 2022-23. 

Roberts guided the women's team to the highest national finish in school history after placing 15th at the 2022 NCAA National Championship in Indianapolis to cap a year that also saw the Lyons place second at the New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference Chamipionship for the fourth straight time. Under Barrett's watch eight Wheaton women's swimmers combined to achieve All-America status 19 times in seven different events as the most prolific octet in school history. The group was led by three-time NEWMAC Swimmer of the Year Lydia DaCorte, who had a hand in breaking three of eight school records that were set by the Lyons during the season. Wheaton finished the year nearly perfect in dual meet competition, posting a 13-1 mark to fall a victory short of matching the school record, while Roberts was recognized for the Lyons' outstanding campaign by being named the NEWMAC Women's Swimming Coach of the Year for the fourth time in six seasons.

During his tenure, Roberts has established himself as the most successful women's swimming coach in school history. The former Lyon, who was a three-time All-American and NEWMAC Swimmer of the Year for Wheaton, has won more dual meets than any other swim coach in school annals with an 85-47 (.644) record. Not only that, but during Roberts' time directing the program, the Lyons have qualified to compete at the NCAA Championship on six occasions, the most of any coach in school history, while finishing second at the NEWMAC Championship four times – also the most of any Wheaton coach. The Maine native has had a keen eye for discovering and developing talented swimmers as well, guiding five NEWMAC Swimmers of the Year and a Rookie of the Year, while seeing multiple swimmers earn All-Conference and NCAA Championship berths. In addition, 17 swimmers have earned All-America honors in a total of 20 different events in just the past five years.

During the 2017-18 season, Roberts guided the women to a 14-1 dual meet record and second place finish at the NEWMAC Championship. The second-place finish was the highest championship standing in program history with the women scoring over 1,000 points, good for the most in program history. The women's program broke 10 school records at the NEWMAC Championships while earning eight All-Conference honors, including six gold medals in conference championship events. On the men's side, the Lyons finished fourth at the NEWMAC Championship, which was the best finish in the program's history. In addition, Roberts coached two female and two male All Americans in 2017-18. 

Barrett's efforts in 2017-18 earned him the title of NEWMAC Women's Swimming Coach of the Year after being named Women's and Men's Swimming Coach of the Year in 2016-17. During that same year, Roberts led the women's program to its best finish at the NEWMAC Championships since 2010. The Lyons finished in third place with 766 points, which was just 3.5 points out of second. Wheaton finished with six all-conference honors, as well as a NEWMAC Women's Swimmer of the Year nod for junior Jenna Hayden who advanced to the NCAA Championships in the 100-yard backstroke. On the men's side, Roberts shared the Coach of the Year award with John Westkott of the Coast Guard Academy. The men's swimming & diving team finished the NEWMAC Championships in fourth place with 614 points, which ties the best finish in program history. The men had several swimmers finish in podium position, while earning one all-conference honor and having several swimmers break school records. At the end of the NEWMAC Championships, the Lyons set 23 new school records, had numerous NCAA cuts, several All-Conference performances and many personal best records and stand out performances between both programs. 

As an undergraduate at Wheaton, Roberts was a standout swimmer for the Lyons, earning All-America honors three times (2005-07) and NEWMAC Swimmer of the Year accolades in 2006. He was a three-year Co-Captain who earned College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-America honors in 2004 and 2005. As a senior, Roberts took home the Linda Frances Epstein Award and the Outstanding Male Athlete Award. The Epstein Award is presented to a graduating senior who embodies respect for and commitment to the traditions of Wheaton in the achievement of academic excellence and dedicated performance in athletics.

Roberts returned to Norton after spending the 2010-11 season as a graduate assistant coach at New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) rival Springfield College. With his assistance, the Pride established nine school records and three NEWMAC records. Roberts also saw seven of his student-athletes post national qualifying performances, four turn in All-America performances, and one register an All-America honorable mention performance.

Prior to his appointment at Springfield, Roberts spent two seasons as an Assistant Coach at Tufts University (2008-10), helping the Jumbos register nine All-America performances during that span. He also spent two years as a Waterfront and Aquatics Director at Camp All-Star (2005-07).

Roberts, who left Norton with a bachelor's of arts degree in Economics and Political Science after graduating Magna Cum Laude, earned his master's degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Administration from Springfield in 2015.