Yaidel Gamboa - Swimming & Diving Coach - Florida Atlantic University Athletics

Yaidel Gamboa

Title:
Diving Coach

Yaidel Gamboa was hired as the new Florida Atlantic University diving coach in September of 2016.

“With my passion and experience in the sport of diving, and by creating unity and support amongst swimmers and divers, I hope to guide the FAU swimming and diving team to reach new heights and accomplish goals that have yet to be achieved,” said Gamboa. “I want to be part of making history by winning dual meets, conference championships as well as taking student-athletes to NCAA.”

In just his first season with the Owls, Gamboa earned Conference USA (C-USA) Diving Coach of the Year and Coastal Collegiate Sports Assocation (CCSA) Men's Diving Coach of the Year after his divers had record-breaking seasons. Standout newcomer Victoria Moretti earned a trip to the NCAA Championships in her first semester with the Owls and was the first diver to go in 15 years. The freshman qualified for the 3-meter and platform events after competing at the NCAA Zone B Diving Championships. Prior to that she won the 1- and 3-meter at C-USA Championships to claim Diver of the Meet. Fellow diver Ryan McIntire also impressed this year defending his titles in both the 1- and 3-meter at the CCSA Championships to earn Most Outstanding Male Diver of the Meet. He also competed at the NCAA Zone B Diving Championships.

After a successful diving career in his native Cuba, Gamboa coached internationally before settling in Orlando where he led the diving program at YCF (YMCA of Central Florida). While there, he produced Olympic Trials qualifiers, National Champions and finalists at nationals in Junior as well as Senior events.

“We are thrilled that Yaidel joins Florida Atlantic University as our new diving coach,” said Preacco. “ ‘Gambo’ brings drive, passion and wide-ranging international experience, which will be instrumental in helping the program regain its national prominence despite the elevated competition.”

Gamboa graduated from the University of La Habana (in Cuba) in 2005, with a bachelor of science in physical education and athletic training. He began diving at the age of five, and would eventually be a member of the Cuban National Team for eight years, during which he won 10 national titles.

Following his athletic career, Gamboa coached in his homeland from 2003 until 2007. During those years, his divers won four National Championship team titles. In 2007, he received an offer to coach the Zulia diving team in Venezuela, where three of his divers made the Venezuela National Junior Team. This qualified them to participate in the Central American Tournament, where they won one silver and two bronze medals. One of the three divers went on to qualify for the Junior World Championships.