The City of Galesburg has hired a Galesburg native, Notre Dame swimmer, and veteran collegiate coach to lead its aquatics program. Danielle Hulick Tansel has been appointed Recreation Supervisor for the Parks & Recreation Department, with a concentration in aquatics. She is scheduled to start Monday, April 13.
Tansel, then Hulick, learned to swim at Hawthorne Pool and competed on her first swim team at Lakeside. A record-holder at Galesburg High School, she went on to swim competitively at the University of Notre Dame, where she was also a record-holder, NCAA qualifier, and helped the Fighting Irish win four straight Big East Conference titles. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and later earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University.
Her coaching career spans more than 25 years and includes tenures at the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Southern Methodist University, the University of Richmond, and Oakland University. Her experience includes team leadership, recruiting, and program development.
In her new role, Tansel will oversee the management and strategic growth of the city’s aquatic programs and facilities, including Hawthorne Municipal Pool and Lakeside Water Park.
“We are thrilled to welcome Danielle back to Galesburg to lead aquatics for the City of Galesburg,” said Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson said. “Her outstanding athletic background and collegiate coaching experience uniquely position her to enhance our aquatic offerings.
“I am confident that her vision will drive the growth of our programs and ensure our facilities serve as an accessible cornerstone of community health and recreation.”
Tansel said returning to Galesburg is more than a career move.
“Coming from where I started, I’ve always carried my upbringing with me — it shaped my grit, my purpose, and my belief in what’s possible,” Tansel said. “Now, returning home for a role that both excites and challenges me, I’m driven to elevate competitive swim, expand innovative programming, and make aquatics accessible to every corner of our community. This is more than a position — it’s a chance to grow the reach of our city and create opportunities for all.”
Tansel’s focus will include expanding year-round programming, enhancing swimming instruction, and increasing community engagement at both Hawthorne Municipal Pool and Lakeside Water Park.
