Harrison Hartman was named the Head Men's and Women's Swimming Coach at Lees-McRae in August 2023 and came to Banner Elk from Watauga High School where he served as a swim coach. 

"In Harrison, we found someone with the character and skill to develop our swim programs with great pride," said McPhail. "His background is a great fit for Lees-McRae College. We are looking forward to him guiding our young people to increase the awareness of being the only collegiate swim program in the High Country."

Along with his coaching duties, Hartman served as the Learning Specialist for student-athletes at Appalachian State where he developed and fulfilled academic support plans for student-athletes and conducted assessments to determine student-athletes' academic needs.

Hartman has served as a Paramedic at Wilkes County EMS since December 2021 and worked as a paramedic in the counties of Watauga, Mecklenburg, and Richland.

Hartman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Pennsylvania State University and completed an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences - Emergency Medical Sciences from Central Piedmont Community College.