Lara Jackson completed her first season as an assistant coach with the swimming and diving program in 2019-20. Her background in the sport is a remarkable blend of athletic accomplishments at the highest level, solid coaching experiences and a unique perspective on the sport.

In her first campaign with FGCU, the program captured second place at the 2020 CCSA Championships. One of the highlights of the meet was Wiktoria Czarnecka's win in the 50-yard freestyle, which marked the eighth-consecutive year that the Eagles had won the event. Throughout the season, Jackson worked closely with Czarnecka who swam a personal best en route to taking home the 50 Free as a sophomore. 

Jackson came to Fort Myers after three years coaching in France with Vichy Val d’Allier Natation. During her time abroad, she served as both the head senior coach as well as the head strength and conditioning coach. Under her guidance, multiple athletes qualified for the French Nationals. In addition, Jackson has worked as a stroke clinician in the United States and France with former Olympic Medalist, Josh Davis and Torreau Sports, respectively.

After starting her career as a walk-on athlete at the University of Arizona, Jackson, now a former American record holder, stands as one of the most decorated swimmers in NCAA history. She was inducted into the University of Arizona Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2017. During her collegiate swimming career, Jackson was a 14-time Division I NCAA All-American as well as a nine-time NCAA Champion. She was also an integral member of the University of Arizona’s 2008 NCAA Championship team. In 2009, she earned the prestigious Ruby Award as the university’s premier senior female student-athlete. As a collegiate swimmmer, set the NCAA and American record in the 50-yard freestyle (21.27) in 2009, which stood as the fastest time ever until 2015.

After her collegiate success, Jackson set the American record in the 50-meter freestyle in 2008 and continued to swim as a member of the United States National Team. In 2011, she represented the United States at the Pan-American Games, where she won a gold medal in the 50 free, setting a new meet record.  She was also a finalist at the 2012 US Olympic Trials.

Jackson brings to the Green and Blue a perspective to the sport that is greatly influenced by her collegiate experience. Lara credits her success as an athlete and a coach, to the total unity and human development that NCAA Swimming and Diving fosters.

A native of El Paso, TX, Lara graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science with a focus on the Equine Industry. She is married to French Native, Julien Mathias.

Updated 4/1/2020