North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Alum Daniel Graber Announced as New Assistant Coach
5/14/2026 10:40:00 AM | Swimming
RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State Head Swimming Coach Braden Holloway announced this week that former Wolfpack swimmer Daniel Graber will return to Raleigh as an assistant coach for the NC State swimming and diving program.
A proud NC State graduate, Graber returns to the Wolfpack after spending 7-years building his coaching resume at Duke, Dartmouth, and Virginia Tech. During his time as a student-athlete at NC State, Graber was a three-time NCAA All-American, four-time CSCAA Scholar All-American, and a four-year member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll.
"Bringing Daniel Graber back to the Wolfpack is a big win for our program," said Holloway. "He's the kind of person you want around your team—smart, driven, and fully invested in what it means to wear NC State. His experience, work ethic, and drive will make a difference from day one.
"It's always special when one of our own comes home," Holloway continued. "Daniel was a tremendous student-athlete here, and he embodies the pride that defines the Wolfpack. He connects naturally with people—we're excited to have him back on deck with us."
Most recently, Graber served on the coaching staff at Duke, helping lead the Blue Devils to continued success at the national level. During the 2025-26 season, he helped the program break 12 school records and coached athletes to 23 top-10 performances in Duke history.Â
In the 2024-25 season, Duke earned another top-25 finish at the NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships and a top-10 finish for the men at the CSCAA National Invitational Championship. The Blue Devils also set six school school records, including marks in the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay.
During the 2023-24 season, Graber helped Duke achieve the best NCAA Women's Championship finish in program history, with a 16th place finish as well as Duke's first-ever women's 400 medley relay to earn All-America honors.
Prior to Duke, Graber served on the staff at Dartmouth, where he helped guide the Big Green to six school records and 75 all-time top-10 performances. He also led all dryland workouts, collaborating closely with the strength staff to create individualized seasonal training plans for student-athletes.
Ahead of Dartmouth, Graber spent time as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech, working primarily with the mid-distance and sprint groups. During his tenure, the Hokies recorded 18 school records, including eight relay records. The Virginia Tech men's team also posted the highest NCAA Championship point total in program history, resulting in a program-best 11th-place finish.
"I'd like to thank Braden Holloway for the opportunity to return to NC State," said Graber. "Coming back to be a part of the Wolfpack again is incredibly meaningful to me. This program helped shape who I am, both in and out of the pool, and I'm honored to return to a place that means so much to me.
"I'm excited to work alongside Coach Holloway and the staff to continue the standard of excellence that has been built here. I look forward to investing in our student-athletes, building strong relationships, and contributing to the culture and pride that define NC State. Go Pack!"
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