JERSEY CITY, NJ – Saint Peter's University has named
Chris Cipolla as head coach of the men's and women's swimming and diving programs, announced today by Director of Athletics,
Rachelle Paul. Cipolla will also assume the responsibilities of Director of Aquatics at The Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J. Recreational Life Center (RLC).
"We are extremely excited to bring
Chris Cipolla on board as our next Head Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving Coach and Director of Aquatics at Saint Peter's," said
Cameron Harty, Associate Director of Athletics for Facilities and Operations. "Chris has an impressive list of accomplishments in and out of the pool. Along with these accomplishments, I'm positive that with his knowledge and motivation, there are great things to come for Saint Peter's swimming & diving."
Cipolla comes to Jersey City from Staten Island, where he was the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Wagner College. While working on the Seahawks' staff, he was responsible for all aspects of team practices and meets, served as lead coach of distance groups, and nationally recruited for both the men's and women's programs.
Since 2017, Cipolla has worked at Westfield YMCA in multiple capacities, most recently serving as Director of Competitive Aquatics and Head Swim Team Coach. In his most recent role at Westfield YMCA, he is responsible for organizing all aspects of the team including meets, practices, coaches' scheduling, and budget. Cipolla has led swimmers to the National and Olympic Trials level, overseeing 250+ swimmers on the team, while successfully growing the team and increasing the overall team achievements. Prior to his most recent position, he held the titles of Assistant Director of Competitive Aquatics, Head Masters Swim Coach, and Swim Coach.
Cipolla is a 2014 graduate of Penn State University, earning his degree in history. He was a four-year member of the Nittany Lion swimming team from 2010-14 serving as team captain his junior and senior years. Cipolla was a Big Ten Conference finalist in the 200 breaststroke and 400 individual medley, while also qualifying for the World Championships and Olympic Trials in the same events.
