Alumna of the Year leads the Swedish national swimming team to Olympic success
Martina Aronsson, Head Coach of the Swedish national swimming team, is Alumna of the Year at Halmstad University 2025! Her journey from a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology to a leader at the elite international level shows how academic knowledge can pave the way for success – both in and out of the pool.
Martina Aronsson.
“My education has definitely influenced my career choices.”
Martina Aronsson, Alumna of the Year 2025
“I am incredibly happy and honoured to be Alumna of the Year! Also a little surprised, as it has been a long time since I studied at Halmstad University. I appreciate being named Alumna of the Year enormously”, says Martina Aronsson.
Leader in the water and on land
After graduating from Halmstad University in 1997, Martina Aronsson stayed in Halmstad for a few years and ran Träningkompaniet under the management of SK Laxen together with a student colleague, while working as a coach in the swimming club. It was the start of a long career in sports and leadership, which today has taken her to the role of Head Coach of the Swedish national swimming team, where she is responsible for the national team’s selections, activities and training camps, as well as contacts with the Swedish Olympic Committee.
Martina Aronsson was the coach of the Swedish national swimming team at the Olympics in Athens in 2004 and in Beijing in 2008. During the Olympics in Paris last year, she experienced Swedish swimming successes up close, and now she is looking ahead to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
“The journey there is an Olympics in itself and it is really the journey that is the goal”, says Martina Aronsson.
Academic foundations for a life on the move
Martina Aronsson’s path to Halmstad University began by chance, but the choice turned out to be crucial for her future career:
“My education has definitely influenced my choices in my professional life, both in sports and business. We were close to practice during my studies and I took every chance to develop my leadership outside the lecture halls.”
As a student, Martina Aronsson also worked as a swimming coach, which gave her the opportunity to test the theories in practice. Adding an economics course also proved to be invaluable in various managerial roles.
Advice for today’s students
Martina Aronsson’s main advice to today’s students is to be open, brave – and curious:
“Say ‘yes’ often! You can say ‘no’ later in life. Dare to take on extra jobs, get involved in associations or leadership – anything that allows you to try out the theories you learn during your studies. And above all: enjoy your time in Halmstad! It’s a great city and you’ll carry memories with you for life.”
“We are proud of our alumni”
“We value our alumni highly and are extremely proud of all the fantastic things that our former students achieve around the world. This year’s recipient of the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year award is a valuable ambassador for our university. Martina Aronsson’s inspiring career journey shows that an education at Halmstad University can lead to great success”, says Kristian Widén, Deputy Vice-Chancellor with specific responsibility for collaboration and innovation.
Text: Hilda Liberg
Photo: Joel Marklund, Bildbyrån
About the award Alumnus/Alumna of the Year
Every year during the graduation ceremony for graduating students, Halmstad University presents the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year award to a former student. Through this, the University wants to recognise and highlight former students who have distinguished themselves after graduation and who are a positive role model for the University, its students and the surrounding community. The award is a way for the University to show appreciation and that the institution values a strong relationship with its alumni.
Award citation
“In 2025, the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year award at Halmstad University goes to a person who is a valuable ambassador for Halmstad University. Martina Aronsson’s inspiring career journey shows that an education at the University provides a stable foundation that can lead to great success.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Psychology from Halmstad University in 1997, Martina Aronsson has combined her great interest in sports with good leadership skills and made it all the way to the role of head coach of the Swedish national swimming team. Her career has taken her out into the world and next her sights are set on the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
The Alumna of the Year 2025 is an inspiration for the University’s students and a shining example of how knowledge, passion and courage can lead to a successful and meaningful career.”
More information
Contact
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Deputy Vice-Chancellor with specific responsibility for collaboration and innovation
