Erik Ripley was hired as the Director of Swimming and Diving in October 2026. 

Ripley arrived at Merrimack after three seasons as an assistant coach of the Drexel University Dragons. Before his time at Drexel (2023-26), Ripley served as the head swimming coach at Chowan University (2021-22) and assistant coach at Saint Leo University (2018-21). 

Ripley graduated from Towson University with a bachelor's degree in sport management and a minor in business administration.

A four-year letter winner for the Tigers' swimming and diving program, Ripley earned the Tiger Spirit Award during his collegiate career. He also represented student-athletes on the Towson University Intercollegiate Athletic Committee and served on the Towson Student-Athlete Advisory Council, including one year as vice president. Ripley later earned his Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University in 2021.