STATEN ISLAND, NY – The College of Staten Island Athletics Department has announced the appointment of Miranda Johns as the interim head coach of the CSI Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving program ahead of the 2026-27 season. Johns will assume leadership of the program while head coach Michael Ackalitis is on medical and family leave as he battles Stage Four melanoma cancer and prepares to welcome his second daughter.
"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Miranda as our Interim Head Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Coach," Athletic Director Matthew Scally said. "With Coach Ackalitis on medical and family leave, we are confident that the team will continue to move forward under Miranda's guidance."
Johns arrives on Staten Island with a decorated collegiate coaching experience from New York University, where she began her career in 2022. During her time with the Violets, she served as the Assistant Camp and Aquatics Director while also working as the Men's and Women's Varsity Assistant Coach.
In her coaching role, Johns helped guide the NYU women's program to its first NCAA National Championship title in 2026, while the men's program recorded the highest finish in program history as the national runner-up. Both programs maintained the No. 1 ranking in the CSCAA throughout the season.
During her time at NYU, Johns also helped mentor 44 individual national champions and 134 All-Americans, along with one Olympic Trials qualifier. Her coaching tenure also contributed to 10 national records and 91 program records.
"Miranda has a proven track record of developing swimmers and creating national championship-caliber programs. It was clear from our first meeting that she was the right person to step in at this time to lead our program," Scally continued.
As the Aquatics and Camp Director, Johns oversaw all aspects of a high-volume competitive swim camp, including training and managing a staff of coaches and counselors. She was also responsible for maintaining a high coach-to-camper ratio and fostering a professional and positive camp environment.
"I am beyond excited to join CSI and build off the incredible legacy Coach Mike [Ackalitis] built," Johns stated. "Thank you to the wonderful athletes, staff and Athletic Director Scally for making this transition seamless."
Johns will make her CSI debut just in time for the Dolphins' first meet of the season on Saturday, October 10, when CSI hosts the third annual Kick-Off Invitational at The Tank on Staten Island. The meet is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM and will feature the Dolphins competing against Pace University, Montclair State University, and Kean University.
Johns concluded, "I am looking forward to the opportunity to invest in this program. I believe there is something really special about what we can build here together. Go Dolphins!"
