IRVINE, Calif. – Concordia University Irvine Athletics announced on Tuesday the hiring of Ryan Martines as the new women's swim and dive head coach.
Martines is a former CUI men's swimmer and also has served as a graduate assistant and assistant coach at his alma mater in recent years. He graduated from CUI in the fall of 2022 with a degree in kinesiology before pursuing his Master's of Coaching and Athletic Administration in the school's well-known MCAA program.  
"I'm incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead this program," said Martines. "Concordia has been such an important part of my journey as both an athlete and a coach, and to now serve as head coach feels like a full-circle moment."
 
"We are excited to welcome Ryan back as both an alum and coach, and I have the utmost confidence that he will be a great addition to our department," said CUI Vice President of Athletics Crystal Rosenthal.
Martines was a co-captain for the 2021-2022 PCSC men's championship team that won its second title in four years at Concordia. He was a 7-time individual All-PCSC performer for the Golden Eagles specializing in the 100-200 breaststrokes.  He ranks No. 3 all-time in program history in the 100 breast (55.72) and is on the second-fastest 200 medley and third-fastest 400 medley relays in program history.
 
"It means a great deal to have the opportunity to lead a program that has been such a big part of my life," added Martines. "Having grown with this team as a student-athlete, graduate assistant, and assistant coach, I've developed a deep appreciation for the athletes and staff who have made it special. I'm proud to help guide this next chapter and continue building something the team can take pride in."
 
He is very familiar with Concordia's home pool at the Woollett Aquatics Center, as he currently serves as a Senior Coach with Irvine Novaquatics. He has also gained valuable deck experience as an assistant coach at Northwood High School in Irvine, who were CIF State Champions in 2025. Prior to coaching at Concordia, he served as the Associate Head Coach at Lahaina Swim Club in Hawai'i. Earlier in his career, he was the Head Boys Aquatics Coach at Madera High School in his hometown of Madera, California.
 
Coach Martines is working on finalizing the 2025-26 season schedule for the squad. Stay tuned to cuigoldeneagles.com for upcoming schedule announcements.