Starting a varsity program ready to compete at the NCAA level is no small feat, but that is exactly what new Women’s Triathlon Head Coach Doug Robinson had to do between his hiring in late May 2024 and the team’s first competition in August. That compressed timeline didn’t stop the team from achieving early success and setting the stage for a promising future. “I enjoy the challenge of starting from scratch with nothing more than a dream and a vision of what is possible,” said Robinson. This vision has been critical to overcoming the hurdles of building a team from the ground up, including recruiting athletes and acquiring all the necessary equipment. The foundation of UIndy’s triathlon program was made possible through a USA Triathlon Emerging Sport Grant, a crucial factor
in bringing the sport to campus. This grant not only provided the necessary financial support but also validated the University’s commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for women. With this backing, UIndy could focus on recruiting and equipping the team with everything needed to compete, from bikes and racing gear to indoor training equipment. Even with the backing of the grant, Robinson faced a unique set of challenges in forming the team. Typically, recruiting for collegiate sports programs takes about two years, but Robinson had just two months to assemble a squad for the 2024 season. “I was very fortunate that the rumors had been spreading during the spring semester that the University was going to start a triathlon team,” he explained. “Five students approached me and wanted to join the team. With the help of the swim coach, Brent Noble, we were able to identify and convince another three athletes who were already registered at UIndy to join the team.” The team’s debut season was further bolstered by the enthusiasm of UIndy’s community and the athletic department, helping the new program find its footing quickly. In addition to the technical
and other things that have just organically happened.” Robinson is focused on expanding the program’s reach and talent pool. Recruiting remains a challenge in a sport where the number of high school triathletes is still limited compared to more traditional sports. To build a competitive roster, Robinson has to think outside the box. “Our approach as we look toward 2025 is really twofold,” Robinson said. “The first is to identify and evaluate triathletes from the elite junior race circuit. The second is to identify two-sport athletes in high school with swimming as one of those sports and invite them to be curious, adventurous, and brave, and become a triathlete at the collegiate level.” From the initial challenges of forming a team to the thrill of a first win, the journey has been one of resilience, passion, and a belief in what’s possible. That journey culminated at the 2024 NCAA National Championships where the team placed 20th overall, and eighth
among DII programs in its inaugural season. With the support of the USA Triathlon
grant, the guidance of an experienced coach, and the determination of its student-athletes, UIndy is well on its way to building a program
aspects of coaching, Robinson has embraced the broader role of creating a positive team culture. “One of the great opportunities has been to establish a team culture and start traditions that will be built over the future of the program,” he shared. “That has been a bunch of fun to have some things that I have implemented with purpose and lots of thought
that will thrive for years to come. The future looks bright for the Greyhound triathletes, who are just beginning to make their mark on the collegiate triathlon scene.
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MAGAZINE // WINTER 2024
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