Our Coaching Staff
Olympic-level coaches dedicated to developing world-class swimmers.
World-Class Leadership
Excellence in Coaching
From NCAA champions to Olympic gold medalists, our coaching staff represents the highest level of competitive swimming expertise. They bring decades of elite experience and a proven track record to every single practice.
We provide our athletes with the precise technical knowledge and rigorous mental preparation needed to excel. Our team doesn't just coach—they build the foundation for champions.
Braden Holloway
Head Coach
Head Coach, NC State Swimming
Braden Holloway has transformed NC State Swimming & Diving into an elite national powerhouse and Team USA Olympic pipeline since taking the helm in 2011.
Specialty
High-Performance Team Culture & Elite Development
Dan Kesler
Associate Head Coach
Associate Head Coach, NC State Swimming
Dan Kesler returned to his alma mater in 2023 to spearhead the technical development of the Wolfpack's elite distance and individual medley groups.
Specialty
Elite Distance Freestyle & IM Program Design
Dan Kalupski
Associate Head Coach
Associate Head Coach, NC State Swimming
Dan Kalupski is the primary architect behind NC State's elite recruiting classes and a USA Swimming National Team staff member who directs the program's dominant middle-distance and aerobic groups.
Specialty
Mid-Distance/Aerobic Group Development & Championship Recruiting Strategy
Stefani Wendelschaefer
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach & Recruiting Coordinator, NC State Swimming
Stefani Wendelschaefer is an elite mid-distance specialist for the Wolfpack who also represents the United States on the international stage as a USA Swimming National Team coach.
Specialty
Mid-Distance Group Technical Development & National Student-Athlete Welfare Recruitment
Kevin Happ
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach / Operations, NC State Swimming & Director of Operations, Wolfpack Elite
Kevin Happ utilizes a deep background in elite sports management to drive the technical development and day-to-day excellence of the Wolfpack program.
Specialty
Logistical Strategy, Aquatic Program Operations & Technical Development
Daniel Graber
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach, NC State Swimming
A former three-time NC State All-American, Daniel Graber returns to Raleigh with seven seasons of Division I coaching experience at Duke, Dartmouth, and Virginia Tech.
Specialty
Sprint and mid-distance stroke mechanics
Michael Baric
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach, NC State Swimming
Michael Baric leverages his extensive ACC pedigree to specialize in technical sprint mechanics and elite athlete development for the Wolfpack.
Specialty
Elite Sprint Freestyle Mechanics, Power Development & Relay Technical Execution
Ready to Train with the Best?
Join Wolfpack Elite and train under a proven, championship-level coaching staff. Whether you are climbing the local ranks or preparing for the national stage, we have a program designed to unlock your full potential.