Shari Skabelund started coaching at BYU as a part-time assistant coach in 1987 and has been with the Cougars ever since. She has worked specifically with the sprint group.

While competing for BYU as a student-athlete, Skabelund won Region 18 titles in the 100-yard individual medley (1978) and the 100-yard butterfly (1980) and qualified for the AIAW Nationals in 1978 and 1979. She was the first woman swimmer at BYU to complete four years of eligibility.

Before BYU, Skabelund was the head coach of both the girls and boys swim teams at Springville High School from 1982-87, guiding the girls' squad to the state 3A title in 1985 and 1986. 

She is married to Grant and has four children.