Canisius University Athletics

Veteran coach Scott Vanderzell is in his 18th season as the head of the Canisius swimming and diving programs.


• Named the head coach of the Canisius swimming and diving teams on Sept. 18, 2008.
• Has guided the Golden Griffin men to 10 top five finishes at the MAAC Swimming and Diving Championships, highlighted by a four straight top three finishes between 2012-2015.
• Has instructed the Canisius women to 12 finishes in the top five of the MAAC Swimming and Diving Championships, paced by top three results in four consecutive championships between 2014-17.
• Named 2014-15 MAAC Women’s Coach of the Year after guiding the Griffs to a second-place finish in the MAAC Swimming and Diving Championships.
• Coached Martin De Vilard, the 2024 MAAC Men’s Rookie of the Meet who established school records in the 100 and 200 backstroke and the 400 medley relay at the MAAC Championships, posting top three finishes in all three events.
• Played a key role in the development of Daphne Mead, the 2025 Women’s Co-Rookie of the Meet who was a three-time individual A finalist at the MAAC Championships in the 200 and 400 IM and 200 back. Mead placed fourth in both the 200 IM and 200 back and earned a bronze medal in the 400 IM.
• Helped mentor four MAAC Outstanding Male Diver of the Meet honorees, including Travis Wright, who was the league’s first diver to win the award in three consecutive meets (2016-18).
• Vanderzell’s teams have also excelled in the classroom, with both programs having earned College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-America Team distinction for each of the last 18 semesters (through Spring 2025 semester).


• Served as the aquatic director at the University at Buffalo for eight years (2000-08)
• Was the interim head women's swimming coach at the University at Buffalo for the 2005-06 season and served as UB's assistant men's coach during the 2006-07 campaign.
• Recruited multiple award-winning student-athletes during his time at UB, coaching the 2003 and 2005 MAC Swimmers of the Year.
• Helped instruct several swimmers that went on to United States, Canadian and other International and Olympic trial qualifiers. 
• Has served the head coach for the Tonawanda Titans in Kenmore, N.Y., since 1995.
• During his tenure with the Titans, Vanderzell has helped form the group into one of the premier swim clubs in New York State.


• Graduated from Buffalo State in 1995
• Vanderzell and his wife, Sherri, have four children; Taylor, Zachary, Kyle and Kayleigh.