University of Rhode Island

Lilli Falconer Deering enters her ninth season with Rhode Island in 2024-25, and her third as head coach. After serving as the interim head coach in 2021-22, she was named the full-time head coach in March of 2022.

Following the 2020-21 season, Deering was promoted to interim head coach, becoming just the second head coach in program history. She had served as the Associate Head Coach since August of 2019 after helping lead Rhode Island to one of the best regular seasons in program history. Rhody won its first seven meets of the season - the best start in program history - and finished the season 9-2 for the winningest season ever for URI. 

One of the most successful swimmers in URI history, Deering returned to her alma mater on a full-time basis after having served as the Rams' volunteer assistant during the 2015-16 campaign.

A native of Chicago, Ill., Deering had one of the most decorated Rhode Island swimming careers in the program's history. A four-time Atlantic 10 All-Conference performer, she was named the A-10's Most Outstanding Performer in 2010. She also received the athletic department's Winifred Keaney Award, which is given annually to the University's most outstanding senior female athlete.

When she graduated, Deering held Rhode Island's records in the 200-yard breaststroke, the 200-yard individual medley and the 400-yard individual medley. Her records in the 200- and 400-yard IMs still stand.