St. Catherine University

Nicole Hempler was named the interim co-head coach for the Wildcat swimming and diving program in the fall of 2023 as she enters her 23rd season at St. Kate’s. Hempler was the head coach for the swimming and diving program for eight years, during which time the team's point total and place within the MIAC standings improved each season. In 2008-09 Hempler was named the MIAC Women's Swimming Coach-of-the-Year after her athletes set eight school records and had three NCAA national list performances at the MIAC Championships. Hempler earned her second MIAC Coach-of-the-Year honor in 2010-11. Along with her coaching duties, Hempler is the Assistant Athletic Director which includes managing all aspects of the Butler Center and pool including hiring and training staff, managing memberships and scheduling and organizing meets and rentals. Prior to arriving at St. Kate’s, Hempler led the Red Wing High School girl’s swim team to a Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) team title in 2001. That season, she also guided the boys swim team to a second-place finish at the state meet. While at Red Wing, Hempler coached individual and relay state champions in multiple events. She was also nominated for the Minnesota Class A swimming and diving Coach-of-the-Year award. Hempler received her bachelor's in education from Concordia College in 2001. She was a student assistant with the Cobber swim team during her time at Concordia.

Dan Eckberg was named interim co-head coach of the Wildcat swimming and diving team in the fall of 2023 as he enters his fourth season at St. Catherine. Eckberg comes to St. Kate's after taking time off from the coaching world following a successful career at Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) member school, the College of Saint Benedict. While at the helm for the Bennies, Eckberg's athletes registered 14 program records, earned seven MIAC All-Conference honors, and placed 84 performances on the program's top-10 list. The Bennies were named to the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Academic All-American team each semester during his tenure and seven student-athletes from Saint Ben's were named MIAC Athlete of the Week. In the 2015-16 season, Eckberg led the Bennies to a fifth-place finish at the MIAC Championships scoring a total of 326 points, their highest point total under his leadership. In addition to his coaching responsibilities at Saint Benedict, Eckberg was the pool coordinator and was the Bennies head strength and conditioning coach since 2017. Prior to the 2019-20 season, Eckberg resigned after six seasons to spend time with his young family and complete a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration at Saint Cloud State University. Before taking over the then-Blazers in 2013, Eckberg served as the head boys' and girls' swimming and diving coach at Saint Cloud Technical High School in St. Cloud, Minnesota where he coached his athletes to 27 school record-setting performances and multiple participants at the Minnesota State High School League Championships. Eckberg resides in Cottage Grove, Minnesota with his wife Mary and three young children Genevieve (5), Harrison (3), and newborn Gabriella. He is currently a sales representative at SPS Commerce, and is completed his Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration from St. Cloud State University in May 2022.