When Radford University decided to add women's swimming, it looked no further than local swimming coach Bill Beecher. He was hired as RU's first women's swimming coach in February 2001 and has guided the program from its inception into this, the fifth season.

Beecher provides the program with a wealth of coaching experience, which has been invaluable in helping the RU swimming and diving program get off its feet and grow into a successful and competitive team.

Beecher brings over 25 years of coaching experience to Radford University directing several age group programs, as well as developing the RU Swim Club since its inception in 1989. He is responsible for all facets of the Division I swimming program as well as continuing to serve as the Dedmon Center Natatorium Aquatics Director, a post he has held since the facility was constructed in 1987.

In RU's first season as a member of the Northeast Conference, Beecher produced eight All-Conference student-athletes, including two champions. Last season the Highlanders placed sixth at the Northeast Conference Championships. They have also been successful in the classroom as ten athletes garnered Presidential Honors and two were placed on the Dean's list last semester.

Beecher is no stranger to developing a Division I swimming program, as he played an instrumental role in the implementation and development of Virginia Tech's women's swimming program during the late 1970s. A 1974 graduate of Virginia Tech, Beecher was Virginia Tech's first head coach from 1976-1978.