Greeley, COLO. - University of Northern Colorado director of athletics Jay Hinrichs has appointed Maria Strait the interim head swimming coach for the 2008-09 academic year.

Strait takes over the program for long-time head coach Nancy Hinrichs, who is taking a medical leave of absence this season.

Strait joins the Bears from Thompson Valley High School, where she had been the head coach since 2007 and a member of the coaching staff since 2002. She had also been serving as an assistant boys swimming coach at Mountain View High School since 2006. In 2008, the Thompson Valley girl's team finished third at the state competition.

A member of the swimming community in Colorado for over 15 years, Strait returns to her alma mater as she received her bachelor's degree in recreation with an emphasis in fitness and exercise from Northern Colorado in 1995.

Strait and the Bears begin their season October 9-11 at New Mexico State when they compete against both the Aggies and Rice University.