Fresh off the most successful season in school history in 2007-08, Christian Cantwell is entering his third season as an assistant coach. He works primarily with the team’s stroke, sprint, distance, and middle-distance swimmers, while also aiding with recruiting.
Cantwell’s second season with the Violets proved most memorable, as the Violets went 9-0 and placed an all-time best ninth at the 2008 NCAA Division III Swimming & Diving Championships. Overall, he helped coach a team-record eight All-America swimmers last winter.
In addition, NYU finished second at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championship and third at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship. At the latter meet, Cantwell and the rest of the Violets’ coaches captured the UAA Coaching Staff of the Year award.
Prior to his arrival at NYU, Cantwell served as the assistant coach for the National Development Team (15-18) of the Camden County (NJ) YMCA from 2004-06. While there, he was responsible for all aspects of training and development. From 2002-05, Cantwell also taught stroke and turn clinics for all age groups of the U.S. Swimming Jersey Wahoos Swim Club.
A 2003 graduate of Auburn University with a degree in communication, Cantwell qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100- and 200-yard butterfly and was a four-time senior national finalist in the 100- and 200-yard butterfly. A member of the Tigers’ 1999 NCAA Division I National Championship team, he also helped the program capture four Southeastern Conference titles (1999-2002).
Prior to achieving collegiate success, Cantwell was a two-time New Jersey State Champion at Cherry Hill West High School, where he also earned high school All-America honors.
Cantwell, who also serves as the Assistant Natatorium Manager at NYU’s Palladium Athletic Facility, is a native of Philadelphia, PA, and resides in Manhattan.
