A veteran of more than a decade of collegiate and international coaching experience, Matt Macedo was named UC Davis' head women's swimming and diving coach, announced Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca on May 18, 2021. The Aggies become Macedo's fourth University of California connection: he was a 20-time All-American as a student-athlete at Cal, then made highly successful coaching stops at UC San Diego (2008-14) and UC Santa Barbara (2014-21) prior to his arrival in Davis.
The 2003 Golden Bear graduate in American studies replaces Barbara Jahn, who served as the UC Davis swimming and diving head coach for 46 years until her retirement this spring.
"I am both honored and humbled to follow coach Barbara Jahn to lead the Aggies' swimming and diving program. UC Davis has a rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence, it was clear to me throughout this process that the department is committed to its staff and student-athletes. Having competed against UC Davis in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation the past seven years, I am focused on continuing the program's quest for conference championships and success in the NCAA postseason."
Added Macedo, "I'm excited for my family to join the incredible Davis aquatics community and appreciate Rocko's commitment to my vision for the program. I know I have big shoes to fill and cannot wait to get started. Go Ags!"
Macedo comes to UC Davis from Mountain Pacific Sports Federation leaguemate UC Santa Barbara, where he served two seasons as an associate head coach followed by the last five as the head coach. During that stop, he earned back-to-back MPSF Coach of the Year honors, thanks to men's team championships and women's runner-up finishes in each of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. Overall, Macedo's swimmers won a total of 61 individual and relay championships at the MPSF meet, with a school-record 11 competing at the 2016 Olympic Trials. Furthermore, five current MPSF championship records come from his five years as the Gaucho head coach.
Before his stop in UCSB, Macedo served as the head men's swimming and diving coach at UC San Diego from 2011-14. In just three seasons, his Triton student-athletes set three NCAA Division II records, won 16 national titles and garnered 125 All-America awards. Eight of his swimmers participated at the 2012 Olympic Trials – a UCSD program high – including former Aggie Matt Herman, who placed in the top 20 in the 1,500-meter freestyle. Macedo arrived at UCSD in 2008 as an assistant coach, then was elevated to the head coaching helm in August 2011 following the team's second-place finish at the NCAA D-II meet.
Macedo coached for two top clubs before entering the collegiate coaching ranks, including the The Race Club in Islamorada, Florida. As an assistant to Mike Bottom, he prepared 13 athletes for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including medalists Nathan Adrian (400 free relay) and Milorad Cavic (100 butterfly). Macedo then made the trip to Beijing as the head coach for Trinidad and Tobago, mentoring George Bovell III to an 11th-place finish in the 50 free.
"We are excited to welcome a coach with Matt's experience and philosophy to the UC Davis family," said DeLuca. "His record of success at UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego speaks for itself, and we have no doubt he will continue the tradition of excellence with our swimming and diving program.Â
"I would like to thank Anissa Nachman, the recruitment advisory committee and our senior staff for guiding a competitive search. I know our alumni and fans will enjoy getting to know Matt and his family as we welcome them to the Davis and Aggie community."
As a collegiate student-athlete, Macedo won 20 total All-America awards at four NCAA championship meets, including consecutive 400 free relay titles in 2001 and 2002. He competed at the 2000 Olympic Trials in the 50 and 100 freestyle events, reaching the finals (sixth) in the former. Macedo ranked among the world's top performers in the two sprint free events, garnered Pacific Swimming Swimmer of the Year (2000) and swam for the U.S. National Team (2001-03). He graduated in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in American studies and a concentration in public health and public policy.
Macedo originally hails from San Jose, California, where he starred for Leland High School and Almaden Swim & Racquet Club. His arrival to the Aggies also serves as a homecoming: his wife, the former Ashley Miller, starred for Davis High and is the daughter of former UC Davis water polo player Curt Miller.
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MACEDO AT A GLANCE
• UC Santa Barbara Men's & Women's Swimming, Head Coach (2016-21)... two-time MPSF Men's Coach of the Year.
• UC Santa Barbara Men's & Women's Swimming, Co-Head Coach (2014-16)
• UC San Diego Men's Swimming & Diving, Head Coach (2011-14)
• UC San Diego Men's & Women's Swimming, Assistant Coach (2008-11)
• Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Swim Team, Head Coach (2008)
• The Race Club, Assistant Coach (2007-08)
• North Coast Aquatics, Head Coach (2004-07)
• Won 20 All-America awards including two NCAA relay titles at Cal (1999-02)
• Member of USA National Swimming Team (2001-03)
• Competed at 2000 Olympic Trials and 2001 World University Games
