The University of Texas Permian Basin swimming and diving program has added a familiar face to its coaching staff, announcing the hiring of former Falcon swimmer Leo Eleftherakis as an assistant coach and the aquatics director.

A native of Thessaloniki, Greece, Eleftherakis joins the staff after competing for the Falcons from Fall 2021 to Spring 2025.

"Being able to coach at my Alma mater, especially right after getting out of college is a huge blessing to me," said Eleftherakis. "I couldn't thank Coach Schroeder more for trusting me and giving me this opportunity."

During his collegiate career, Eleftherakis envisioned a future in coaching, inspired largely by his longtime mentor in Greece, Ioannis Valkoumas.

"He was like a second father to me and taught me almost everything I know about swimming," Eleftherakis said.

Eleftherakis also expressed gratitude to former head coach Betsy Graham for giving him the opportunity to continue his swimming career.

"I have much gratitude for former UTPB head coach Betsy Graham for playing a major role in giving me the opportunity to continue my swimming career and believing in me," he said. "Deep down I always knew that I wanted to stay in this sport for as long as I could, and give back to the sport by transitioning into a coaching career."

With firsthand experience as a Falcon and a deep understanding of the program's culture, Eleftherakis brings both familiarity and ambition to the role.

"I have huge goals for this team that with lots of hard work and sacrifice I believe are achievable," said Eleftherakis. "I think that is very exciting for what's to come."

As a coach, Eleftherakis emphasizes development beyond the pool, focusing on shaping student-athletes into leaders within the community.

"One thing I love about being a coach is that I can take an athlete and make them the best athlete they can be," he said. "On top of help them be a better person in the community because believe it or not swimming teaches you a lot of lessons that later on translate into 'real life'."

As a student assistant in 2025-26, Eleftherakis helped the program achieve a historic performance at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships, where the team broke 10 school records in a single meet.

"I look forward to working alongside coach Schroeder and keeping the momentum that we had this past season. I'm excited for what's to come. Falcons up," said Eleftherakis.

Eleftherakis first discovered swimming at age 12, joining a club team despite not yet knowing how to swim. What began as a new activity quickly became a lifelong passion.

"I started swimming a little late in comparison to others," he said. "I joined my club team (Team Thermaikos) back in Greece when I was 12 not knowing how to swim and fell in love with the sport from day one."

His rapid development led him to compete at the Greek National Championships by age 15. At 17, he reached a major milestone, placing among the nation's top 50 swimmers in the open division of the 50-meter backstroke — an achievement that solidified his goal of competing collegiately in the United States.

Eleftherakis' hiring signals continuity for the UTPB swimming and diving program while reinforcing its commitment to developing student-athletes both competitively and personally.