As the new swim season begins for the State University of New York at New Paltz, with it comes a familiar face. 

Matthew Distler returns to the Hawks swim program for a second consecutive year, which means his legacy as an assistant coach at SUNY New Paltz continues. 

Distler is an eight-time A-finalist and two-time State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Champion. It's safe to say he is no stranger to facing pressure in high leverage moments and delivering. Distler attended Glens Falls Senior High School where he had plenty of success. In 2010 he qualified for the New York State Championship where he swam the 100-and 50-yard freestyle. He placed sixth in the 50 free going a 21.45 seconds and fifth in the 100 free with 46.97. Distler then attended SUNY Cortland where he had immediate success, becoming a SUNYAC champion in 2011 in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:43.65. After the 2012 academic year, he transferred to SUNY New Paltz where he finished his collegiate swimming career with the Hawks. 

"I think the team is exceptionally excited to have coach Distler back," said SUNY New Paltz coach Tom Eickelberg. "I think he was a huge asset to the program last year and we're excited that he's decided to take a second year to hone his coaching skills and help this team get on track."

Distler was welcomed back with open arms, as he returns his unique perspectives. Last season the Hawks embraced "The Distler Diet," his trademark slogan that preaches the importance of eating a nutritious diet during the swim season, which helps increase peak performance. Distler also controlled the music playlist on deck most days and played uplifting and motivating music. This innate attention to detail gave him the utmost respect from the swim team. During the taper season when the team was mentally and physically drained, Distler read inspiring stories before each practice to keep everyone focused on their goals.

Under his first season as an assistant coach, he helped SUNY New Paltz finish with two first place finishers at the SUNYAC Championships, as well as several All-SUNYAC First and Second team qualifiers. Distler led by example as he got in the pool on several occasions and raced his swimmers. He even time trialed at the Hawks midseason meet at the College of New Jersey. In fact, his time would have placed him in the A finals of the meet. This leadership by example inspired SUNY New Paltz throughout the season.

 "He knows the program and has more than everyone's respect," said Hawks junior Graham Cono. 

"Coach Distlers knowledge and enthusiasm on the pool deck is contagious among his swimmers, which encapsulates the New Paltz swimming aura," added SUNY New Paltz sophomore Akiva Garfield. 

Coaching isn't a perfect science, there are many different styles to which people adopt their methods. Many care simply about winning and respect those only at the top of the depth chart. It is the opposite way of thinking for the Hawks swim coaches. While winning is very important, there are many factors that go into the way Eickelberg and Distler choose their styles. They are there to help their athletes not only become successful in the water, but also successful students and members of society. 

"It is my passion to help you all become better athletes, students, friends, family members," Distler said. 

This coaching style has created a bond with the swim team that other coaches strive to have. "It's like embracing an old friend," said SUNY New Paltz senior Sarah Crespo on the return of Distler.

Having a familiarity with a specific sports program is a big advantage for coaches. It gives them a relatability and credibility that others who were not in the same position do not have. Distler has this advantage as he is a New Paltz alum and former Hawks swimmer, allowing him the ability to place himself in the shoes of his athletes, as he knows the daily stresses they face.  

SUNY New Paltz's 2019-2020 season is set to begin Oct. 26 at the Pumpkin Relays.  

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