Cal's Noah Yanchulis Finding His Coaching Rhythm as Bears Rebuild with 20-Deep Freshman Class

·50 min·5 clips

Cal assistant coach Noah Yanchulis reveals how a 20-deep freshman class is reshaping the Bears' training dynamics.

Host Coleman Hodges interviews Noah Yanchulis, an assistant coach for the Cal Berkeley Golden Bears who was on the Team USA staff at the 2024 World Championships. Yanchulis begins by describing the current college season, noting the rhythms have become more comfortable in his third year. He highlights the unique dynamic of a huge freshman class of about 20 athletes, which has shifted the team's composition after graduating many points. Yanchulis explains he primarily works with the distance and 400 IM group, which has grown dramatically from 3-4 athletes to up to 24 on some days. He names key athletes like Ryan Erisman, Gabe Jett, and the Whiffin twins, emphasizing the competitive environment. The conversation shifts to Yanchulis's coaching background, including his time at Oklahoma Christian University with Josh Davis. He discusses what he's learned from Cal head coaches Dave Durden and David Marsh, noting Durden's charisma and trust-building with athletes, and Marsh's innovative, technical approach. Yanchulis recounts being asked by Greg Meehan to join the Team USA staff for Worlds after trials, a moment where Durden coached him on how to respond. He describes the training camp in Thailand, where groups were organized by college affiliations, and the focus on building toward the 2028 LA Olympics. A major challenge was a team-wide sickness outbreak, with some athletes losing 20 pounds; Yanchulis discusses managing the mental and physical fallout. He highlights standout swims from Worlds, like the women's 800 freestyle featuring Katie Ledecky. Post-meet, Yanchulis reflects on the immersive learning experience and his vacation in Thailand. Returning to Cal, he notes the messaging remains consistent around actions, attitudes, and behaviors, with an emphasis on upperclassmen mentoring the large freshman class. The episode concludes with light discussion about adjusting to life in Berkeley.

As heard by us

Noah Yanchulis makes the quiet work of elite coaching feel concrete.

The Swim Swam Podcast keeps its focus on the ordinary labor behind a bigger stage, following Cal assistant coach Noah Yanchulis as he reflects on how a young coach learns the mental side of elite swimming and how athletes stay organized at meets.

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Why you'd press play

If you want a calm look at what a Cal assistant coach did with Team USA this summer, this one lands.

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