Coach Caesar Asadi
is making the jump to the college level, hired by St. Thomas University after leading Mater Lakes Academy boys relay swimming team to a Class 2A state championship in November.
The private, Catholic university in Miami Gardens on Jan. 19 named Asadi the new men’s and women’s swimming and diving head coach.
The Bobcats will compete in the Sun Coast Conference as a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics team.
“We’re excited to have Caesar join our department,” Athletic Director Bill Rychel said in a statement on the school’s website.
“He is exactly what we need to build our swimming program in South Florida. He understands the magical collegiate and athletic experience we provide to our student-athletes and is familiar with the swimming world in South Florida,” Rychel said.
Asadi called his hiring “a huge honor.”
“I appreciate the faith and belief in me from President Armstrong and Athletic Director Rychel, to build an outstanding Bobcats swimming and diving program for our students,” Asadi said.
Asadi, who lives in Miami Gardens, is already familiar with three members of his team: He coached freshmen Jose Perdomo, Alexandra Perez and Christian Perez at the high school level.
With Asadi as coach, Mater Lakes Academy boys swim team won the state championship in the 200-freestyle relay in November; the team came in third place overall.
“It’s a huge jump for me, going from the [Florida High School Athletic Association] ranks to the NAIA college ranks,” Asadi told The Miami Laker.
The university’s president also welcomed Asadi.
“Today, STU welcomes Coach Asadi as he joins a culture dedicated to athletic, as well as academic success,” said David A. Armstrong, president of St. Thomas University. “We can’t wait to cheer our Bobcats as they dominate in the pool and in the classroom.”
Asadi previously taught Science at Miami Norland Senior High School.
He coached Dr. Michael Krop Senior High School to three district champion- ships in two seasons, the university said.
Asadi graduated from Barry University in Miami Shores with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2019, according to St. Thomas.
While at Barry, Asadi was a student ambassador for the Admissions Department and was named the inaugural President of the Stamps Leadership Scholar.
He also served in the United States Navy, St. Thomas University said.
“I want to use my military background, my experiences as a swimmer and athlete to build and establish a winning and competitive culture for STU swimming and diving,” Asadi said in the school statement.
“My priorities for the program, in addition to creating a positive collegiate experience, is to recruit and win to make STU a swimming power in South Florida and nationally in the NAIA,” Asadi said.