“Cauli Bedran and Matt Martinez Added to Swimming and Diving Coaching Staff”
The swimming and diving program has taken a major step forward with the addition of Cauli Bedran and Matt Martinez to its coaching staff, signaling a renewed focus on technical development, athlete well-being, and competitive excellence. The decision to bring in these two experienced professionals was made after a comprehensive search that considered coaching credentials, leadership potential, and the ability to connect with athletes. Both Bedran and Martinez bring unique strengths, a shared passion for the sport, and proven track records of success that are expected to elevate the entire program.
Cauli Bedran comes to the program with an extensive background in both competitive swimming and coaching at high levels. Known for his precision in stroke mechanics and deep understanding of training periodization, Bedran has cultivated a reputation for developing swimmers who excel not only in competition but also in the classroom and community. His coaching career has spanned over a decade, during which he has worked with collegiate programs, club teams, and developmental academies. What sets Bedran apart is his ability to tailor training to the specific needs of each athlete. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach, he evaluates each swimmer’s strengths and areas for improvement, then builds a plan that maximizes performance while minimizing risk of injury.
Before accepting this new role, Bedran served as an assistant coach at a nationally ranked Division I program, where he contributed to multiple conference titles and NCAA Championship appearances. He also played a critical role in recruiting high-impact student-athletes, emphasizing character and work ethic alongside athletic talent. Former swimmers coached by Bedran often speak of his analytical eye and motivational coaching style. Many credit him for helping them reach personal bests and develop leadership qualities that benefited them beyond the pool. His coaching philosophy is rooted in communication, collaboration, and continuous learning. He frequently integrates the latest research in sports science and biomechanics into his training sessions, ensuring that his athletes stay at the forefront of modern competitive swimming.
Matt Martinez, likewise, brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for the sport of swimming and diving. He has earned accolades both as a coach and as a mentor to young athletes navigating the rigorous demands of collegiate athletics. Martinez has a background that blends technical coaching acumen with a strong focus on athlete development and mental resilience. Prior to joining the program, he held positions with several successful high school and college teams where he led swimmers and divers to championship meets, set school records, and earned recognition for sportsmanship and academic success.
Martinez is especially known for his expertise in sprint training and his emphasis on starts and turns, the often-overlooked aspects of race execution that can make the difference between a podium finish and a missed opportunity. His sessions are known for their intensity and attention to detail, with swimmers frequently praising his ability to break down complex movements into manageable drills. Beyond the physical training, Martinez prioritizes mental conditioning and team unity. He works closely with athletes to develop pre-race routines, goal-setting strategies, and coping mechanisms for high-pressure situations. This holistic approach has resonated with both athletes and parents, who appreciate his commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.
Both Bedran and Martinez share a deep respect for the program’s legacy and a clear vision for its future. They recognize that success is built not just in championships but in daily habits, team culture, and personal accountability. Their addition to the coaching staff is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the team’s foundation and prepare it for sustained excellence. They have already begun collaborating with returning athletes, support staff, and fellow coaches to assess current strengths and areas for growth. Early reports indicate a surge of energy and optimism throughout the team, with many athletes inspired by the new perspectives and fresh ideas being introduced during practices and team meetings.
Their arrival also reflects a strategic alignment between coaching philosophy and institutional values. The swimming and diving program has long emphasized academic integrity, community engagement, and athletic excellence, and both Bedran and Martinez are known for embodying these principles in their professional conduct. They take pride in fostering an inclusive team environment where athletes from diverse backgrounds feel valued and supported. This emphasis on inclusivity and respect has already started to enhance team cohesion, with athletes citing a greater sense of unity and shared purpose.
One of the key goals for Bedran and Martinez is to rebuild competitive depth across all strokes and events, ensuring that the team remains versatile and adaptable in dual meets and championship formats. They are also focused on recruiting and developing student-athletes who are committed to the program’s long-term vision. This means not only targeting top talent from across the country but also nurturing local swimmers who show promise and a desire to grow within the system. They have expressed excitement about tapping into regional talent pools and establishing strong relationships with club coaches, high school programs, and community swim organizations.
In addition to their coaching duties, Bedran and Martinez are expected to play vital roles in academic advising and mentorship. The program has historically placed a strong emphasis on academic achievement, and both coaches are committed to maintaining that standard. They understand the pressures student-athletes face and are proactive in guiding them through time management, academic planning, and balancing sports with personal development. Their open-door policy and approachable demeanor have already made a positive impression on both athletes and administrators.
The integration of cutting-edge training technology is another area where Bedran and Martinez plan to make a significant impact. They are exploring the use of video analysis, wearables for tracking performance metrics, and underwater camera systems to provide immediate feedback during practices. These tools allow for greater precision in coaching and empower athletes to take ownership of their development. The coaching staff is also evaluating nutrition, recovery protocols, and injury prevention strategies to ensure that athletes are supported in every aspect of their training journey.
While results in the pool are the most visible markers of progress, both coaches emphasize that true success is measured by growth over time. They are building a program where athletes graduate with a sense of pride in what they’ve accomplished, both individually and collectively. Whether it’s setting a personal record, earning all-conference honors, or simply becoming a more confident and resilient person, every achievement is celebrated as part of the team’s journey.
The excitement surrounding their appointment is not limited to the swim deck. Alumni, boosters, and fans of the program have expressed strong support for the new hires, recognizing them as a positive step toward revitalizing the program. Several alumni have commented on social media and in alumni newsletters about their confidence in the new coaching duo’s ability to lead the team to new heights. Some have even offered to assist with mentorship opportunities, fundraising efforts, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the student-athlete experience.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on how Bedran and Martinez translate their vision into results. Preseason training is already underway, and both coaches are fully immersed in evaluating athlete progress, designing tailored training cycles, and preparing for upcoming competitions. They are also investing time in getting to know each team member on a personal level, fostering trust and communication that will serve as the foundation for success throughout the season.
This new chapter for the swimming and diving program is being written with intention, experience, and enthusiasm. Bedran and Martinez bring complementary skill sets, shared values, and an unwavering belief in the potential of their athletes. They are not just coaches—they are educators, mentors, and motivators who understand that success in the water begins with strength of character on land. Their commitment to excellence, integrity, and growth ensures that the future of the program is in capable hands. As the season approaches, there is a renewed sense of purpose and a collective belief that with the right leadership and a unified team, great things are possible.
