Alec Kandt was selected to lead St. Bonaventure men's and women's swimming and diving in July 2026 and enters his first season guiding the program.
Kandt brings nearly a decade of coaching experience with him to St. Bonaventure, most recently serving as an assistant on staff at Southern Illinois. While at SIU, he was heavily involved in recruiting and also coached multiple individual and relay conference title-winning athletes during the 2025-26 season. Last year, SIU's women's team placed second at the Missouri Valley Conference championships while the men came in third.
He primarily worked with the sprint and breaststroke units at SIU where he coached three Olympians.
Prior to his time in Illinois, he served two stints in the SEC, most recently at Arkansas where he was on staff with the Razorbacks' women's program from 2022-25. He was Arkansas' lead recruiting coordinator, and his 400-free relay squad finished third at SEC championships. He was also on the U.S. Olympic Trials and Czech Republic national coaching staffs during his tenure at Arkansas.
Kandt previously played a key role in launching the men's swim and dive program at Davenport University in Michigan. He spearheaded the recruitment of United States student-athletes for the Davenport program while also developing sprint and stroke group training plans.
He got his start in coaching as a volunteer on staff at Michigan State, later serving a similar role at the University of Florida where he helped the Gators to a men's SEC championship in 2018.
A native of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., he was a standout performer as a student-athlete at Michigan State.
An Olympic Trials qualifier in the 100-meter breaststroke in 2016, he also qualified for the US Open in the 100 and 200-breast, 200-IM and 100-fly. Kandt graduated with the Michigan State all-time program record in the 100-breast and was a consistent leader at Big Ten championships for the Spartans.
What they're saying about Alec Kandt
"I have known Coach Kandt since he was 17. As a student-athlete at Michigan State, he worked very hard to have the opportunity to compete at a very high level. He left MSU with multiple awards and team records. He also gained a passion for the sport of swimming which he has passed on to his athletes. He has worked very hard as an assistant coach in elite college programs under elite coaches to put him in position to be a head coach. As an alumnus of the St. Bonaventure program and as his former coach, I can think of no one better to lead our program."
Matt Gianiodis
Former Head Coach, Michigan State
St. Bonaventure Class of 1992
"In his short time with the Salukis, Alec made a strong impact on the student-athletes and coaches. His passion and knowledge for the sport will be a great asset to the St. Bonaventure program, and I wish him the best of luck in his first head coaching role."
Geoff Hanson
Head Coach, Southern Illinois
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