NCAA All-American Kyle Ponsler will make the transition into coaching as he joins Northern Colorado’s coaching staff as an assistant.
“I am incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the University of Northern Colorado Swimming and Diving Program as an Assistant Coach,” Ponsler said. “Coaching is something I have wanted to pursue even while competing as an athlete, so having the chance to begin this next chapter at UNC is truly a dream come true. I am looking forward to learning from Coach Ebeling while helping the Bears continue to grow, develop, and compete at the highest levels possible.”
Ponsler graduated from NC State this spring where he spent his collegiate career, including the last two seasons as a captain. Originally from Fishers, Indiana, Ponsler arrived at NC State in fall 2022. He made the 2024 and 2025 NCAA Championships as a sophomore and junior and scored in the 400 IM during both seasons. He was 10th in the event in 2024 (3:39.28) and won the ‘B’ final with a 3:37.42 in 2025. That time would have been 4th in the ‘A’ final.
He had a successful long course career as well, finishing 6th in the 400 IM (4:16.53) at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. He swam in four World Cups, two World University Games, and two Open Water World Cups.
Ponsler is the latest NC State graduate to turn to coaching. Last month, NAIA powerhouse Keiser added Owen Lloyd to its staff for the upcoming season.
The Northern Colorado women finished 3rd out of 10 teams at the 2026 MPSF Championships. The school does not have a men’s program. Maria Erokhina led the team with 92 individual points including a wins in the 100 (59.96) and 200 (2:10.84) breaststrokes. Erokhina went on to swim at the 2026 NCAA Championships where she was 35th in the 100 breast and 42nd in the 200 breast.
