Thomas Colket Named Asst. Swimming Coach – New Mexico Lobos

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Thomas Colket, most not too long ago a males’s swimming assistant coach at SMU, has been named to Naya Higashijima’s workers at New Mexico as Assistant Swimming Coach. Colket has already began working with the group, and he brings with him high-level expertise as a coach and as a collegiate swimmer.

“Swimming has given Tom a positive outlook and experience in life through adversity. I have already learned a lot about swimming from Tom, and his ability to create a positive environment while facing challenges will help our team to continue our progress,” mentioned Higashijima. “I’m looking forward to seeing more growth and improvement from our team in the years to come.”

Colket involves UNM after serving as an assistant coach with the lads’s program at SMU in Dallas. With the Mustangs, Colket primarily targeted on teaching distance swimmers, though he additionally helped coach mid-distance and sprints. Colket has experience in teaching all strokes, begins, and turns, and helped oversee dryland practices for the group. In 2024, SMU despatched seven swimmers to the NCAA Championships, finally ending within the top-20, coming in 18^th general.

Before SMU, Colket spent two years with Metroplex Aquatics in Dallas as an Assistant Senior Elite & Senior 1 Coach. With Metroplex, he despatched 17 swimmers over his two seasons to national-level meets and noticed a lot of his swimmers proceed their careers on the Division I degree.

Colket was a student-athlete as a swimmer at each SMU and later the University of Texas, which gained back-to-back NCAA titles in 2017 and 2018.

Said Colket, “I’m extremely excited to hitch the teaching workers on the University of New Mexico.  I’ve had the pleasure of watching and observing Naya for the previous 7 years at SMU and UNM, and am honored to additional my progress as a coach below her.  I need to thank Ozzie Quevedo, Greg Rodenbaugh, Keith Dawley, Brent Mitchell, and Jeff Sagehorn, who’ve coached me and served as mentors throughout my transition from a swimmer to a coach.

“I’d additionally wish to thank the coaches who gave their time to me as a swimmer and inspired my love of the game: Eddie Reese, Wyatt Collins, Chase Kreitler, Eddie Sinnott, Mitch Dansky, Sue Chen, Nick Conrad, Kerry Ellett, Jeff Hiestand, and Jeb Beaver.  I’m entering into a tremendous program with unbelievable alternatives to offer again to the game, and I’m dedicated to furthering the University of New Mexico Athletics’ mission of growing our scholar athletes,” added Colket.

Additionally, Colket is a licensed licensed public accountant.

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What They are Saying About Thomas Colket

“Tom Colket embodies the essence of a passionate swim coach, dedicated not only to honing technical skills but also to nurturing the overall development of his student-athletes. His experience reflects his commitment to fostering a supportive environment where athletes thrive both in the pool and in life. Tom’s focus on personal growth, mental resilience, and character building ensures that each swimmer not only excels competitively but also emerges as a well-rounded individual.”

Ozzie Quevedo, Head Women’s Coach – SMU Swimming & Diving and Three-Time Olympic Coach

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“Tom has a passion for the sport of swimming and the profession of coaching. He goes the extra mile to help his athletes improve and thrive to the level they are capable of reaching. We are excited to watch him continue to grow and help New Mexico take its next step.”

Greg Rhodenbaugh, Head Men’s Coach – SMU Swimming & Diving

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“I had the privilege to coach Tom from 2016-2018 during his Junior & Senior seasons at the University of Texas. Tom had a consistent high-level work ethic and was a fantastic teammate at UT. After graduation, he stayed connected with swimming while coaching club and volunteering while simultaneously working as a CPA. I am really excited for Tom to jump into a full-time coaching role with Naya at New Mexico. He is a student of the sport, and I have no doubt he will make a positive impact on the student-athletes he will coach.”

Chase Kreiter, Head Coach – The University of Pittsburgh