Photo courtesy of gobonnies.com
BY: SAM WEILERT; STAFF WRITER
ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — The St. Bonaventure University swimming and diving program enters the 2026-27 season with a new coaching staff led by head coach Alec Kandt.
Kandt spent last season on the coaching staff at Southern Illinois University before taking over Bonaventure’s program.
He’s joined by assistant coach Colby Clark, who spent the last three years at Utah Tech University, and head diving coach Kongrong Li. Li was named the CCSA Diving Coach of the Year in 2023 while working at James Madison University.
“Season’s been great so far,” said Kandt. “Anytime you come into a new program, it’s always an adjustment, but the team welcomed me with open arms. It’s been a great first six to seven weeks of the season.”
Sophomore swimmer Kate Hill expressed optimism about the team’s new coaching staff.
“We love the new staff, and the team’s been having a lot of fun so far this year,” Hill said.
Kandt emphasized the importance of creating an enjoyable environment while maintaining a strong work ethic.
“Working hard and having fun is my main philosophy. If you are not enjoying what you are doing, then what’s the point?” Kandt said.
Junior swimmer Phoebe McClaren echoed Kandt’s philosophy.
“He always says, ‘a happy swimmer is a fast swimmer,’ and I think that’s really important because if you’re not having fun, you won’t want to be there and train,” McClaren said.
Sophomore Emanuele Zingaro, a native of Varese, Italy, said the staff encouraged him to compete in a new event at the Rutgers Invitational, the team’s first meet of the season.
“This season with a new coach, we’re emphasizing my sprinting abilities, so I’m trying the 100 back for the first time, and it went really well. I’m top five in conference right now,” Zingaro said.
Zingaro hopes to build on his record-setting freshman season, when he established a program record in the 50-meter freestyle and recorded the second-fastest 100-meter freestyle time in program history.
“Last year was good, but I know it’s not my ceiling,” Zingaro said. “I know I can be even better, and I want to get the 100-free record by midseason.”
Kandt emphasized the importance of remaining adaptable.
“Every day is different in the coaching world,” said Kandt. “You have to be able to adjust and learn to change things. The biggest thing I’ve taken from every place I’ve worked at is to always be readily available and open to change. I’m really excited for this year. It’s a very special team, and we’re all excited and ready to swim fast.”
The Bonnies return home Saturday, Oct. 24, to face Cleveland State University as part of the university’s Alumni Weekend festivities.
