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Bobby Guntoro coaching

Men's Swimming and Diving Tom Riordan

Guntoro Takes Over Swimming & Diving Programs

Former Seahawk returns as head coach of the swimming and diving programs

WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNCW Director of Athletics Jimmy Bass has announced the hiring of former Seahawk standout Bobby Guntoro as head coach of the men's and women's swimming and diving programs.

Guntoro returns to his alma mater following eight seasons on the staff at NC State, including the last three as the Wolfpack's Associate Head Coach. He arrived in Raleigh as a graduate assistant and after two seasons, was elevated to assistant coach.

"We're excited to have Bobby return to UNCW," said Bass. "He was a great ambassador for our program and university when he was a student-athlete and he's helped NC State's programs to great heights during his time there."

Guntoro becomes just the third head coach in the program's 42-year history and the first UNCW graduate to take the reins.

At NC State, Guntoro served on both the women's and men's coaching staffs and helped both teams record ACC championships and NCAA top-10 finishes. He worked primarily with the sprint and middle distance groups daily and was instrumental in recruiting.

Guntoro helped produce a pair NCAA champion relays at the 2018 NCAA Championships and both relay units set NCAA records. The 800 Free Relay clocked a time of 6:05.31, while the 400 Free Relay posted a record time of 2:44.75.

Individually, Andreas Vazaios was the NCAA champion in the 200 Butterfly at the 2018 and 2019 NCAA Championships.

The Wolfpack men have finished in the top-10 at the NCAA Championships every season since 2015 and have claimed the last six ACC titles.

On the women's side, Guntoro helped the program to the 2017 ACC title, its first championship since 1980. NCSU added another crown in 2019 and finished seventh at the NCAA Championships for the second time in three seasons.

At the 2020 ACC Championships, the women's 200 Free Relay set an ACC record with a time of 1:26.15.

Guntoro is a graduate of UNCW and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in 2011. He set the program record in the 100 Butterfly and swam on several record-breaking relays. UNCW won four Colonial Athletic Association championships during his career and added a fifth consecutive title in 2012 when Guntoro served as a volunteer assistant on the coaching staff.

Guntoro has extensive experience on the international front. A native of Jakarta, Indonesia, he represented the country on the international level from 2003-11.
 
Guntoro earned a Master of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration on Sport and Youth Development at NC State in 2015.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"I'm ecstatic that someone from our family is coming back to take over the program. Bobby was an outstanding young man, both in the pool and classroom. He was dedicated to be the best he could throughout his career at UNCW. He continued to improve each year and led us to four CAA championships. Bobby's a true winner and knows what it takes to be successful. He treats people the right way. Student-athletes will be very fortunate to swim for him. I'm very happy for him, the program and our alumni."
- Dave Allen, Former Head Coach and Founder of UNCW Program

"We are very proud of Bobby, and I am excited for him, his wife Natalie and their son Judson as they begin this new adventure. To lead a team is a great opportunity, but to lead your alma mater is that opportunity with added emotion and pride. UNCW gave Bobby his start, and it is great to see him return home. He is ready for the task and will achieve amazing new heights with the Seahawks to add to the rich history of that program. He is my dear friend and has been by my side for a long time. I am so happy for him and his family. The Seahawks could not have hired a better man for the job."
- Braden Holloway, Head Coach at NC State

"I couldn't be happier for Bobby, his family, and the Seahawk family. There is no one better for this position than Bobby. I fully believe he will help build on the traditions that Coach Dave Allen established. I've been fortunate to know Bobby well as I coached him at UNCW, then coached with him at NC State, he's a great coach and an even better person. His passion for the sports of swimming and diving are unsurpassed, his enthusiasm towards helping advance the Seahawk program, and his knowledge of coaching will allow him to be tremendously successful in Wilmington. I look forward to watching the program advance to the next level!
- Todd DeSorbo, Head Coach at Virginia

"Bobby will bring a ton of energy, enthusiasm, and intensity to the UNCW Swim & Dive program!  He does an outstanding job sharing his love and passion for the sport with co-workers and athletes.  Being a UNCW alum, he has a deep love and passion for this program, and I am certain no one will dedicate themselves more to this team than Bobby Guntoro.  He is a fantastic hire and I am excited to watch his future successes in Wilmington!"
- Gary Taylor, Head Coach at Auburn
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