New Paltz Sports Information Department
New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz announced the hiring of Nolan Graziano as the new Hawks men's and women's swimming coach Thursday.
"I'm excited to bring an alum back to shepherd our program," said SUNY New Paltz Director of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Renee Bostic. "And someone who is looking to capitalize on his experience at previous institutions and move the program forward."
Graziano spent his last two collegiate seasons with the Hawks, swimming during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. He qualified for the finals at SUNYACs in 2017 in the 200-yard breaststroke, 200-yard individual medley and 400-yard individual medley. Prior to arriving at SUNY New Paltz, Graziano spent two years swimming at SUNY Cobleskill upon graduating from Rhinebeck High School.
After earning his bachelor's degree at SUNY New Paltz in December of 2017, Graziano began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant at Union College where he spent two seasons as the Dutchmen's assistant swimming and diving coach and aided in one All-American swimmer while at Union. Along with his assistant coach responsibilities with the Dutchmen, Graziano was the assistant swimming coach for the Schenectady- Saratoga Sharks swim program where he trained 50-plus athletes, helping in different aspects of training.
Most recently, Graziano was a part of the SUNY Potsdam swimming and diving program, serving as its lead assistant last season. He helped the team to a sixth-place team standing on the men's side, while earning his Master's in Science for Teachers from the institution.
Graziano takes over the two Hawks programs from incumbent Matthew Distler, another former SUNY New Paltz swim alum, who took a position at Division I Stonehill earlier this year. Distler helped the program to third and fourth place team finishes, respectively, at the SUNYAC meet last year with 10 Hawks earning All-SUNYAC honors.
SUNY New Paltz's 2022-23 swim season is set to begin Oct. 14 at home against United State Merchant Marine Academy in Elting Pool at 6 p.m.
