Niko Fantakis Joins Duke as Volunteer Assistant

Photo Courtesy: Reagan Lunn

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke head swimming and diving coach Dan Colella has announced the addition of Niko Fantakis to the Blue Devil staff. Fantakis will serve as a volunteer assistant coach working with the program’s swimmers.

“Niko worked our swim camp as well as with our club team last summer and was very impressive,” Colella said. “The athletes really responded well to him and he will be a great addition to the staff. He has an incredible passion for the sport of swimming and is eager to continue his coaching career here at Duke. We are thrilled to have him on deck working with some of the finest student-athletes in the country.”

Fantakis joins the Blue Devils after completing his collegiate career in the pool at Connecticut College in New London, Conn. He swam for the Camels for three seasons before taking on the role of a student assistant coach this past year. Under his guidance, the Connecticut College men’s and women’s teams both earned top 20 finishes at the 2016 NCAA Div. III Championships.

While in New London, Fantakis received The Andrew Chait ’82 Service Award in recognition of his service and commitment to the Connecticut College Department of Athletics. He graduated from Connecticut College in 2016 with degrees in economics and sociology.

In addition to his time spent as a student assistant coach at Connecticut College, Fantakis also boasts extensive coaching experience at numerous camps. He previously served as a coach and head counselor at the Duke Swim Camp in 2015 and helped to oversee the Blue Devils’ club program that same summer. This summer, Fantakis has served as a coach at the Longhorn Swim Camp and the Peak Performance Swim Camp.

A native of Westfield, Mass., Fantakis attended Westfield High School, where he served as a New England Swimming athlete representative and a YMCA Swimming National Committee athlete representative.

“After such a wonderful experience last summer I am thrilled to be returning to Duke this fall,” Fantakis said. “Coach Colella and his staff have established a culture defined by the continued pursuit of excellence both in the pool and classroom, something I highly value. This opportunity to contribute to such a high caliber program is an honor. I cannot wait to work with such a knowledgeable staff and talented group of student-athletes.”

Duke University contributed this report.

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