Dunnuck named interim Head Coach of Loyola swimming programs

NEW ORLEANS – From Wolf Pack student-athlete to graduate assistant, Melanie Dunnuck will now take on the role of interim head coach of the men's and women's swimming programs this season, Loyola University New Orleans' Assistant Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Brett Simpson announced on Thursday.
 

"Melanie's experience as both a Loyola student-athlete and a member of our coaching staff gives her a deep understanding of our programs and the student-athletes she will lead," Simpson said. "She has earned the respect of our swimmers through her knowledge, work ethic and genuine commitment to their development. We are confident Melanie will provide strong leadership and important continuity as we build on the success of Loyola swimming."
 

Dunnuck competed as a student-athlete from 2020 to 2022 and has served as a graduate assistant under former head coach Thomas Natal since 2023. 
 

"I have a deep appreciation for the sport of swimming and for the Loyola swimming program, and I'm excited and honored to step into this role," Dunnock said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to carry forward the foundation that has been established within the program and to continue promoting a culture where student-athletes challenge themselves and grow athletically, academically, and personally."
 

A native of South Lyon, Michigan, Dunnuck joined the Wolf Pack as a student-athlete in 2020 after transferring to Loyola from Lindenwood University in Missouri. During her two seasons with the program, she competed in freestyle and breaststroke events and qualified for two NAIA National Championships.
 

After graduating from Loyola in 2022, Dunnuck returned to the Wolf Pack in 2023, joining Natal's staff as a graduate assistant. In that role, she worked with the program's sprint and distance groups, assisted with recruiting, and helped coordinate team travel while pursuing a graduate degree in mental health counseling.
 

Dunnuck's transition to coaching began before her return to Loyola, as she spent summers working with South Lyon Aquatics in Michigan. During her time there, she worked with swimmers of various ages on technique, stretching, and dryland activities.
 

Since returning to Loyola, Dunnuck has been part of a swimming program that has continued to compete at the highest level of the NAIA. Under Natal, both Wolf Pack programs consistently competed at the NAIA National Championships, with the teams producing numerous national qualifiers, conference honors, and NAIA All-Americans.
 

The Wolf Pack has already started preparations for the upcoming swimming season under Dunnuck's leadership. Jillian Barczyk will continue to serve as the program's assistant coach, and Ece Tanriverdi joins the Pack as a graduate assistant. 
 

Loyola's first meet is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, at the University of West Florida. It'll also host home meets on Saturday, Nov. 7, against William Carey, and Saturday, Jan. 30, against Austin College. 
 

About Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans is a Jesuit, Catholic university located in the heart of New Orleans. Grounded in a tradition of academic excellence and a commitment to educating the whole person, Loyola prepares students to lead lives of purpose, service, and impact. Through a rigorous liberal arts foundation and a wide range of professional programs, Loyola equips graduates to think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to a global society.
 

The Wolf Pack Athletics sponsors 22 intercollegiate programs competing in the NAIA for one final year before transitioning to the NCAA Division II in the fall of 2027. Guided by the university's Jesuit mission, Wolf Pack student-athletes strive for excellence in competition, the classroom, and service to the community while pursuing a transformative educational experience.
 

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