SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The Swarthmore College Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of AJ McClurkin as assistant strength & conditioning coach. McClurkin will join Chris McPherson, who enters his 10th year with the Garnet, on the Sports Performance staff.

McClurkin arrives at Swarthmore after serving as a graduate assistant at West Chester University. During his time with the Golden Rams, McClurkin oversaw strength & conditioning programming for the swimming, golf and tennis programs.


"I'm excited to welcome AJ to our staff, " said McPherson. "His knowledge, experience and passion for developing student-athletes stood out throughout the entire process. He will be a phenomenal asset for continuing to develop our student-athletes." 

McClurkin began his coaching career at West Chester in September 2024 as a strength & conditioning intern, where he assisted with athlete warmups and workout preparation. He assumed an expanded role in January 2025 after being elevated to graduate assistant, accumulating more than 30 hours per week coaching and supervising student-athletes in the weight room. 

While primarily working with the swimming, golf and tennis programs, McClurkin also supported all varsity athletic teams, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of sports.

McClurkin graduated from West Chester in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science before earning his master's degree with a specialization in applied sports performance. He was a five-year letterwinner on the men's swimming team and also served as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. 

McClurkin was a winner of the 2025 Iron Ram Award in recognition of his excellence in sports performance, leadership skills and work ethic.