NC State Promotes Michael Baric to Assistant Coach

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

NC State Promotes Michael Baric to Assistant Coach

NC State has promoted Michael Baric from volunteer assistant to a full assistant coach, the school announced on Friday.

Baric spent last season as a volunteer assistant coach. In that role, he helped the Wolfpack men’s team win the 2023 ACC Championship and finish fifth at NCAAs. NC State had the highest combined national finish, between its men’s and women’s programs.

“Michael has been a fantastic addition to the program this past year,” head coach Braden Holloway said in a university statement. “His ability to see our sport from various angles has been vital in our student-athletes’ development. He not only excels on the deck but also in regards to building relationships with the student-athletes, which is a key part of our culture. We are excited to promote Michael to assistant coach.”

ACC Swimming

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to continue with the Wolfpack,” Baric said. “Braden and the staff are at the forefront of our sport and have built a top-notch culture here. Swimming post-grad at NC State is what made me want to be a coach, and with my father being an alumnus from the 70s, this place already shaped so much of who I am. I am excited and ready to give back to it. Go Pack!”

Baric has been all over the state of North Carolina in his career. He set school records at UNC Wilmington from 2010-14. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree then swam for two post-graduate years at Wolfpack Elite in Raleigh.

He returned to the state after getting his master’s degree in sports administration from the University of Florida, where he worked as a manager for the swimming and diving program. He coached with the Marlins of Raleigh as a post-grad and with Gator Swim Club while completing his graduate studies.

Baric was hired in 2017 by the University of North Carolina and spent six seasons there, working primarily with the sprint group. He helped multiple swimmers qualify for U.S. Olympic Trials with the Tar Heels.

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