Brian Nelson - Assistant Coach/Director of Operations - Men's Swimming and Diving Coaches

Brian Nelson

Title:
Assistant Coach/Director of Operations

Brian Nelson was named Assistant Coach/Director of Operations for Army Swimming & Diving in September 2026.

Nelson arrived at West Point after time at the YMCA of the Triangle Area (YOTA), where he served as site director of swimming.

Prior to Nelson’s time with YOTA, he spent three years with the Naval Academy Aquatic Club, including time as an assistant head coach.

Throughout his coaching career, Nelson has worked with athletes at every level of the sport, from developmental and age-group swimmers to athletes competing at Futures, Junior Nationals, Senior Nationals and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

During his three years with the Naval Academy Aquatic Club, swimmers coached by Nelson broke 36 club records, along with numerous individual and relay state meet records. During his time with YOTA, he helped coach a swimmer to a new club record.

Nelson’s background outside of swimming has also shaped his approach to coaching. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, he worked in fine-dining restaurants before transitioning into education, where he taught culinary arts, nutrition and physical education.

“I’ve always viewed coaching as teaching, and I really enjoy building relationships with athletes, developing the technical side of their swimming, and finding different ways to help each athlete improve.”

Nelson is excited to build relationships with cadet-athletes, help them pursue their goals in and out of the pool, and contribute to the continued success of Army Swimming & Diving.