ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. --- Thomas Colket, most recently a men’s swimming assistant coach at SMU, has been named to Naya Higashijima’s staff at New Mexico as Assistant Swimming Coach. Colket has already started working with the team, and he brings with him high-level experience as a coach and as a collegiate swimmer.
“Swimming has given Tom a positive outlook and experience in life through adversity. I have already learned a lot about swimming from Tom, and his ability to create a positive environment while facing challenges will help our team to continue our progress,” said Higashijima. “I’m looking forward to seeing more growth and improvement from our team in the years to come.”
Colket comes to UNM after serving as an assistant coach with the men’s program at SMU in Dallas. With the Mustangs, Colket primarily focused on coaching distance swimmers, although he also helped coach mid-distance and sprints. Colket has expertise in coaching all strokes, starts, and turns, and helped oversee dryland practices for the team. In 2024, SMU sent seven swimmers to the NCAA Championships, ultimately finishing in the top-20, coming in 18th overall.
Before SMU, Colket spent two years with Metroplex Aquatics in Dallas as an Assistant Senior Elite & Senior 1 Coach. With Metroplex, he sent 17 swimmers over his two seasons to national-level meets and saw many of his swimmers continue their careers at the Division I level.
Colket was a student-athlete as a swimmer at both SMU and later the University of Texas, which won back-to-back NCAA titles in 2017 and 2018.
Said Colket, “I am incredibly excited to join the coaching staff at the University of New Mexico. I have had the pleasure of watching and observing Naya for the past 7 years at SMU and UNM, and am honored to further my growth as a coach under her. I want to thank Ozzie Quevedo, Greg Rodenbaugh, Keith Dawley, Brent Mitchell, and Jeff Sagehorn, who have coached me and served as mentors during my transition from a swimmer to a coach.
“I would also like to thank the coaches who gave their time to me as a swimmer and encouraged my love of the sport: Eddie Reese, Wyatt Collins, Chase Kreitler, Eddie Sinnott, Mitch Dansky, Sue Chen, Nick Conrad, Kerry Ellett, Jeff Hiestand, and Jeb Beaver. I am stepping into an amazing program with incredible opportunities to give back to the sport, and I am committed to furthering the University of New Mexico Athletics' mission of developing our student athletes," added Colket.
Additionally, Colket is a licensed certified public accountant.
What They are Saying About Thomas Colket
"Tom Colket embodies the essence of a passionate swim coach, dedicated not only to honing technical skills but also to nurturing the overall development of his student-athletes. His experience reflects his commitment to fostering a supportive environment where athletes thrive both in the pool and in life. Tom's focus on personal growth, mental resilience, and character building ensures that each swimmer not only excels competitively but also emerges as a well-rounded individual."
Ozzie Quevedo, Head Women’s Coach - SMU Swimming & Diving and Three-Time Olympic Coach
“Tom has a passion for the sport of swimming and the profession of coaching. He goes the extra mile to help his athletes improve and thrive to the level they are capable of reaching. We are excited to watch him continue to grow and help New Mexico take its next step.”
Greg Rhodenbaugh, Head Men’s Coach - SMU Swimming & Diving
“I had the privilege to coach Tom from 2016-2018 during his Junior & Senior seasons at the University of Texas. Tom had a consistent high-level work ethic and was a fantastic teammate at UT. After graduation, he stayed connected with swimming while coaching club and volunteering while simultaneously working as a CPA. I am really excited for Tom to jump into a full-time coaching role with Naya at New Mexico. He is a student of the sport, and I have no doubt he will make a positive impact on the student-athletes he will coach.”
Chase Kreiter, Head Coach - The University of Pittsburgh