SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The Swarthmore College Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Cecily Scavicchio as interim head volleyball coach. Scavicchio assumes the role following the promotion of Harleigh Chwastyk to Interim Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation.

Scavicchio becomes the ninth head volleyball coach in program history, succeeding Chwastyk, who led the program for more than two decades beginning in 2002. The longest-tenured volleyball coach in the Centennial Conference, Chwastyk guided the Garnet to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run, while also capturing multiple Eastern College Athletic Conference titles and advancing to several Centennial Conference championship matches. 

Scavicchio spent six seasons on Chwastyk's coaching staff from 2012-17, helping guide the Garnet to two ECAC Championships and contributing to a program-record 27-win season in 2016.

"We are incredibly grateful that Cecily has agreed to step into this leadership role for our volleyball program," said Chwastyk. "During a time of transition, having someone with her experience, character and deep connection to Swarthmore provides tremendous stability and confidence for our student-athletes. Cecily is a valued member of the Swarthmore volleyball family. She knows this College, she knows this program, and she knows what it means to support and develop student-athletes both on and off the court. She has recruited and coached talented players, and helped mentor Garnet volleyball alumni who have gone on to make meaningful contributions in their communities and professions."

A graduate of Garnet Valley High School, Scavicchio returns to the community after spending eight seasons as the head coach at Ursinus College. She accumulated 83 victories and one Centennial Conference Tournament appearance while at the helm for the Bears. Scavicchio had her most successful season in 2022, finishing with a 15-9 record to record the program's highest win total since 1998. 

While at Ursinus, Scavicchio made an impact beyond the court, serving as an assistant athletic director and the Senior Women's Administrator. She was also the co-director of the Centennial Conference's Snell-Shillingford Coaching Symposium, serving in that capacity as a mentor and presenter.

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to Swarthmore and lead a volleyball program that has meant so much to me throughout my coaching career," said Scavicchio. "This program is rooted in excellence, driven by outstanding student athletes, dedicated staff, and a supportive campus community. I am excited to work alongside this talented group and build upon the foundation that has made Swarthmore Volleyball a competitive program in the Centennial Conference. I look forward to supporting the student athletes' growth and success both on and off the court. I extend my gratitude to the College and the athletic department for their trust, and I cannot wait to get started!"

Scavicchio played her collegiate volleyball at Neumann University, where she served as a three-year captain and became a member of both the 1,000-dig and 4,000-assist clubs. A four-year starter, the setter earned Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) academic and athletic honors each season, helping lead the Knights to a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2012. She also competed on the women's basketball team, which captured back-to-back CSAC titles in 2010 and 2011.

Off the court, Scavicchio was a member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma honor society and received both the Neumann University Academic Achievement Grant and Presidential Scholarship for Academic Achievement. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education, graduating summa cum laude in 2012, before completing her master's degree in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning in 2017.

Scavicchio, along with associate head coach Linda Zhang, aims to build on the most successful stretch in Swarthmore volleyball history. The program has recorded 16 consecutive winning seasons and 11-straight Centennial Conference Tournament appearances. Last season, the Garnet finished 17-12 overall with a 7-3 conference record.

"What stands out most is her genuine care for our students and her commitment to creating a positive and rewarding student-athlete experience," said Chwastyk. "We appreciate her willingness to seize this opportunity and bring her head coaching experience back to our program. I know our team will benefit greatly from her leadership, and we are excited for her to guide Swarthmore Volleyball into this next chapter."