Cuevas took over as interim head coach of both the men's and women's swim teams after Craig Mallery stepped down in September 2010. Cuevas led the squads into their first season as part of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, with two members of the men's team (Jordan Anderson and Murray Longbotham) winning conference championships.
As an assistant coach, Cuevas helped the Seattle U swim program earn success at the Division II level, including individual national championships for Chris Coley in 2006 and Jakub Jiracek in 2008. She has also played a major role in the program's transition to Division I status, recruiting the current squad to Seattle University as it builds towards becoming eligible for the NCAA Championships in 2013.
"Kat has been an important member of this department for over ten years. We are grateful for the contributions she has made to the swim program as a swimmer, an assistant coach, and this past year as the interim head coach," Bill Hogan, director of athletics, said. "We thank her for guiding the program through the transition to Division I and wish her well in her future pursuits."
A native of the Seattle area, Cuevas joined the Redhawk swim program in 1999, specializing in the butterfly and the backstroke. She was part of the 2002 women's squad that finished second at the NAIA National Championships. She earned her bachelor's degree from Seattle University in 2005 in international studies and will be receiving her master's degree in sports administration and leadership this June.
"Leaving is such a bittersweet decision, as Seattle U is and has been such an incredible community, family, and formative force in my life. The transition to Division I is such an exciting time for the University, and I am honored to have been part of the momentum it has created. I look forward to following the Redhawks and the swim program as the progress continues," said Cuevas.
A national search for a new head swimming coach will take place immediately.