Zephyrhills principal Steve Van Gorden announced Thursday James Washington returned to his post as the girls swimming and diving coach. Washington returns after Shannon Matthews accepted the Graduate Enhancement position at Ridgewood.

“Although, the admin team and Coach (Bruce) Cimorelli hate to lose her, she is not totally leaving the program,” Van Gorden said in an e-mail. “She will volunteer coach three days a week for the team.

“I am confident that the return of Coach Washington and the steady hand of Coach Mathews while continue the fine traditions of the program.”

Washington resigned in May due to personal family reasons after four seasons as the boys head coach. Last season, Washington’s team earned an individual diving title at the Sunshine Athletic Conference when Ken Betancourt-Reyes collected a title and was named the SAC boys’ Diver of the Year. He also was the Zephyrhills boys team’s lone state qualifier.