Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University head swim coach Nicole Monanian has resigned her post effective June 9, 2021. Monanian spent four seasons with the Northern State program and will department Aberdeen for an assistant position at Purdue University.
 
"Leading a program is like a relay. It takes different coaches with different techniques and philosophies to bring the best out of a program," explained Monanian. "I am excited with what NSU swimming has accomplished in my time here and what is in store for the Wolves in the future. I am so grateful to Josh, NSU, and Aberdeen for taking the chance in allowing me to lead these amazing young women for the past four years. I was blessed to open my coaching career at Northern State."
 
In tenure, Monanian coached four Olympic trial qualifiers, two all-conference performers, two NSIC Champions (one multi time champion), two national qualifiers, two All-Americans, and one National Champion. In addition, in her time at the helm ten school records and four freshman records have fallen.
 
"We are thrilled for Nicole with this next opportunity at Purdue," noted Josh Moon, Director of Athletics. "She has truly elevated Wolves swimming during her time here, and we'd like to thank her for all of her hard work and dedication to our student-athletes. We will miss her high energy and positivity around the office and look forward to following her future successes in the coaching profession."
 
In 2021, the Wolves took sixth at the NSIC Championships, recording their highest finish since the move to nine competing teams and surpassing MSU Moorhead for the first time in school history. Northern placed seventh as a team from the 2019-20 NSIC Championships, with 157 team points. In addition, Monanian kicked off the Water Wolves swim lessons program in her third season at the helm. 
 
In 2018-19, Hannah Kastigar qualified for the NCAA National Championships in the 200 IM, 400 IM, 200 fly, and 200 breast, swimming to All-American performances in each event. She won the 400 IM National Championship and broke two of her own school records in the 400 IM and 200 breast. In her first season at the helm, Monanian coached her first NCAA All-American in Edda Skoric, who finished third overall in the 200 back from the NCAA National Championships.
 
Northern State will begin a national search for Monanian's replacement.