Ivan Sanchez

Ivan Sanchez enters his fifth season and second stint as an assistant coach for the Southern Illinois swimming and diving program. He previously swam for the Salukis from 2001-05 and served as a volunteer assistant coach from 2006-09.

Prior to his return to Carbondale, Sanchez spent four years at Coe College (IA) where he served as the men's and women's swimming assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

During his time at Coe, Sanchez helped the Kohawks break 45 school records and achieve seven NCAA “B” standard cut times. He also coached the women’s team to a second-place conference finish at the 2018 Liberal Arts Championships.

In addition to Coe, Sanchez spent the 2017-18 season as the head coach of the women’s swimming and diving program at John F. Kennedy High School (IA). He helped swimmers reach junior national status and state time standards, while also implementing new training programs.

Prior to Coe, Sanchez spent five years (2009-14) as the head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving program at Iowa City High School (IA). Under his tutelage, 10 swimmers broke school records that were over 15 years old and numerous swimmers qualified for the state championship meet. In 2011, he led the men’s team to a sixth-place state finish and produced three state champions.

Sanchez swam under the direction of former SIU head coach Rick Walker during his collegiate swimming career as a Saluki. Sanchez helped Southern Illinois to Missouri Valley Conference titles in 2002 and 2004. He was honored as the Most Valuable Swimmer during his junior year and was a co-captain as a senior. In 2004, he became a MVC champion and record holder in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle.

Sanchez also competed as a member of the Mexican National Team from 1995-2008, where he qualified for three Olympic Trials (2000, 2004 and 2008) and competed in many international and national competitions. In 2003, Sanchez swam to a third-place finish in the 15K at Open Water Mexican Nationals.

Sanchez holds an undergraduate degree in management and a master's in sport management. Sanchez and his wife, Brianna, have three children: Ivanna, Gianna, and Elianna.