University of Northern Colorado Athletics

Chad Castillo Promoted to Associate Head Coach for UNC Swimming & Diving
6/26/2025 12:08:00 PM | Women's Swimming & Diving
Castillo Elevated Following Record-Breaking First Season in Greeley
GREELEY, Colo. – After a standout debut season with the Bears, Chad Castillo has been promoted to Associate Head Coach of the University of Northern Colorado Swimming & Diving program, Head Coach Lisa Ebeling announced Thursday.
In just his first year at UNC, Castillo played a pivotal role in elevating the program to new heights. He helped the Bears break the 800 Freestyle Relay record, achieve 20 top-10 performances in program history, record more than 100 lifetime-best times, and crown four WAC champions. His impact extended internationally, guiding Kyra Rabess to new Cayman Islands national records in the 800 and 400 freestyle, and Maria Erokhina to Cyprus national records in the 100 and 200 breaststroke.
"We are excited to have Chad back on staff assuming the position of Associate Head Coach for the 2025–26 season," Ebeling said. "His leadership and drive to help the program succeed are unmatched. This title is a direct reflection of his hard work behind the scenes to provide the athletes with great opportunities and his eagerness to learn and grow every day. We are looking forward to another great year with Chad in his new role."
Prior to UNC, Castillo worked with the sprint group at the University of Arizona, where he helped the men's team break school records in the 200 Medley and 200 Freestyle relays, while qualifying athletes for the NCAA Championships and guiding nine swimmers to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.
His coaching résumé also includes impressive work at the club and high school levels. As head coach of the La Paloma USA Club Team, Castillo grew the program from 20 to over 120 swimmers and elevated the club to a top-eight finish in Arizona. At Salpointe Catholic High School, he led the women's team to consistent top-five state finishes, including the school's first-ever state title in 2013.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the women's swim and dive team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSwim), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSwim_Dive), and Facebook (/UNCOBearsswimdive).
In just his first year at UNC, Castillo played a pivotal role in elevating the program to new heights. He helped the Bears break the 800 Freestyle Relay record, achieve 20 top-10 performances in program history, record more than 100 lifetime-best times, and crown four WAC champions. His impact extended internationally, guiding Kyra Rabess to new Cayman Islands national records in the 800 and 400 freestyle, and Maria Erokhina to Cyprus national records in the 100 and 200 breaststroke.
"We are excited to have Chad back on staff assuming the position of Associate Head Coach for the 2025–26 season," Ebeling said. "His leadership and drive to help the program succeed are unmatched. This title is a direct reflection of his hard work behind the scenes to provide the athletes with great opportunities and his eagerness to learn and grow every day. We are looking forward to another great year with Chad in his new role."
Prior to UNC, Castillo worked with the sprint group at the University of Arizona, where he helped the men's team break school records in the 200 Medley and 200 Freestyle relays, while qualifying athletes for the NCAA Championships and guiding nine swimmers to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.
His coaching résumé also includes impressive work at the club and high school levels. As head coach of the La Paloma USA Club Team, Castillo grew the program from 20 to over 120 swimmers and elevated the club to a top-eight finish in Arizona. At Salpointe Catholic High School, he led the women's team to consistent top-five state finishes, including the school's first-ever state title in 2013.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the women's swim and dive team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSwim), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSwim_Dive), and Facebook (/UNCOBearsswimdive).
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