Ignacio Gayo Hired as Northwestern Swimming & Diving Assistant Coach

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Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Ignacio Gayo was named the Northwestern Swim & Dive assistant coach on June 1, 2020, a few weeks before the hiring of new head coach Katie Robinson.

Before joining the Wildcats, Gayo served as the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Florida International from 2017 until his departure to Evanston.

Gayo, who served as head coach Randy Horner’s right-hand man, coached the sprinters while overseeing the Panthers international and domestic recruiting efforts. He helped lead FIU to their sixth-straight conference title in 2019, coaching Naomi Ruele to her fourth consecutive NCAA appearance in which she broke the school record in the 100 Back.

During the 2017-18 season, Gayo helped lead the Panthers to their fourth-straight Conference USA Championship, setting a meet record with 1031 team points. The Panthers earned 16 first place finishes during the four-day competition and registered 45 all-conference honors, as well as four C-USA honors, including Swimmer and Diver of the Year.

Gayo coached stand-out Johanna Gustafsdottir to four NCAA meets, as well as Silvia Scalia to the NCAA Championship in her FIU debut season. In 2016-17, he also mentored the school record setting 400 freestyle relay to the program’s first NCAA relay bid with a time of 3:15.23.

In addition to his duties at FIU, Ignacio Gayo served as the National Team Head Coach for the Botswana Swimming Federation at the 2016 World Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Gayo accompanied Naomi Ruele to the Commonwealth Games during April 2018, where she placed 15th in the 100 back and 12th in the 50 back.

Beginning in the fall of 2008 until the spring of 2010, Ignacio Gayo served at his alma mater, Missouri State, as a graduate assistant coach. Among Gayo’s many duties, he served as the international recruiting coordinator for Missouri State. Gayo also coached the sprints, backstroke and fly groups to a Missouri Valley Conference Champions for the women’s programs in 2009 and 2010.

Gayo served as team captain at Missouri State between the years of 2004-08 and was named named Missouri State Freshman of the Year in 2004, as well as All-Missouri Valley Conference selection in 2004 and 2005.

In 2006, Gayo was named Missouri State Swimmer of the Year and was also named the Outstanding Missouri State student-athlete during his four years at the school. A four-year letter winner at Missouri State, Gayo holds the school record in the 50 free and the second-best time in school history in the 100 free (44.41) and 100 fly (48.88).

Ignacio Gayo graduated from Missouri State University in 2008 with duo bachelors degrees in Computer Information Systems and Information Technology Service Management. He also gradated with a masters degree in Administrative Studies with emphasis on Sports Management from Missouri. In December 2018, he obtained a second masters degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from FIU.

— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with Northwestern Swimming & Diving. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.

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