The City of Galesburg is pleased to announce the appointment of Danielle (Hulick) Tansel as a Recreation Supervisor for the Parks & Recreation Department. A Galesburg native with a distinguished career in competitive swimming and collegiate coaching, Tansel will oversee the management and strategic growth of the City’s aquatic programs and facilities.
Tansel’s connection to the local community runs deep, she participated in swimming lessons at Hawthorne Pool and competed on her first swim team at Lakeside. A standout athletic record-holder at Galesburg High School, she went on to competitively swim at the University of Notre Dame, where was a record holder, NCAA qualifier, and contributed to four-straight Big East Conference titles. She graduated Cum Laude from Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and later earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University.
Tansel brings extensive aquatics and collegiate coaching experience, including coaching tenures at University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Southern Methodist University, University of Richmond, and Oakland University. With over 25 years of experience, including team leadership, recruiting, and program development, Tansel has developed high performing teams and fostered a community-focused approach to health and wellness.
“We are thrilled to welcome Danielle back to Galesburg to lead aquatics for the City of Galesburg,” said City Manager Eric Hanson. “Her outstanding athletic background and collegiate coaching experience uniquely position her to enhance our aquatic offerings. I am confident that her vision will drive the growth of our programs and ensure our facilities serve as an accessible cornerstone of community health and recreation.”
Following significant capital investments in aquatic infrastructure over recent years, Galesburg is focused on maximizing the benefits and utilization of the city’s public aquatics facilities, Hawthorne Municipal Pool and Lakeside Water Park. Tansel’s leadership will be instrumental in expanding year-round programming, enhancing swimming instruction, and increasing community engagement at both the indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities.
“Coming from where I started, I’ve always carried my upbringing with me—it shaped my grit, my purpose, and my belief in what’s possible,” said Tansel. “Now, returning home for a role that both excites and challenges me, I’m driven to elevate competitive swim, expand innovative programming, and make aquatics accessible to every corner of our community. This is more than a position—it’s a chance to grow the reach of our city and create opportunities for all.”
Tansel is scheduled to officially join the City of Galesburg team on April 13, 2026. As Recreation Supervisor with a concentration in aquatics, she will be responsible for the development, supervision, and comprehensive management of all City aquatic operations.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
