Since taking the helm of the Saint John’s University (SJU) swimming and diving team five years ago, head coach Ben Gill has witnessed an incredible transformation within the program. What began as a modest group of 17 athletes has now grown into a dynamic team of 35, reflecting not only the increased interest in the sport but also the culture of excellence and leadership that Gill has cultivated.
“From the start, we’ve seen tremendous growth—not just in numbers, but in the quality and character of the team,” Gill explains. “We’ve had multiple individual conference champions and a few NCAA qualifiers, but what’s been most rewarding is watching our athletes grow as leaders, both in and out of the pool.”
This emphasis on leadership is central to Gill’s coaching philosophy. For him, building a successful team goes beyond athletic performance—it’s about developing young men into the best versions of themselves. “We have an amazing group of young men with big goals, and so much of our success comes from the leadership our team has had over the past few years. These leaders help everyone on the team find their strengths and push themselves to new levels,” he notes.
As the team looks ahead to the future, they also bid farewell to a significant graduating class of eight seniors who have left an indelible mark. Among them are team captains Travis Teeter, Sam Anderson, and Raf Rios, whose leadership extended far beyond the pool. Additionally, top performers like Alex Heer and Parker Scanlon, who were key scorers at the MIAC Championships, will be missed for their contributions both in competition and within the team’s culture.
“Each of these seniors made a big impact on our program,” Gill says. “They’ve shaped the identity of our team, and we wish them all the best as they move forward into their professional careers.”
Looking ahead, there is no shortage of talent and ambition within the returning roster. Carter Larson, the reigning conference champion in the 100 and 200 Free, is poised for another standout season, with hopes of qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Similarly, Brayden Slavik, a two-event champion in the 1650 Free and 400 IM, is set to continue his upward trajectory in his junior year. Eli Grabinski, a four-time conference champion, will also be a key leader as he enters his senior season.
“These guys are incredible athletes, and we have high hopes for them,” Gill says. “They’ve shown that they can compete at the highest levels, and now it’s about taking that next step to NCAAs.”
In addition to the returning stars, Gill is excited about the incoming class of freshmen who will strengthen the team’s depth. New recruits like Riley Yerks (Hutchinson), Jackson Hovda (Sartell), and Nate Krotzer (Spring Lake Park) are expected to bolster key areas of the team in IM, Free, Sprint Free, and Fly events. Gill sees these new additions as essential to continuing the team’s upward momentum.
“What makes our team special is the balance we find between striving for excellence and fostering a supportive, fun environment,” Gill explains. “Success comes to those who enjoy the process of improvement, and that’s something we prioritize. We want athletes who are driven to be their best but who also find joy in the journey. It’s about building the whole person, not just the athlete.”
At SJU, the experience extends beyond the pool. Gill emphasizes the importance of finding balance as a student-athlete, something he believes the university is uniquely positioned to offer. “While swimming is a big part of their lives, it’s not the whole picture. Our athletes are also focused on growing in the classroom and making the most of their time here.”
SJU’s unique partnership with the College of Saint Benedict (CSB), an all-women’s school, creates a distinctive team atmosphere. Though the men’s and women’s teams practice separately, they unite during meets, creating a larger support system while maintaining their individual identities. “We work together, but we understand that men and women sometimes have different perspectives. It allows for a unique experience where we support each other but also have our own identity as a team,” Gill explains.
As he reflects on his time at SJU, Gill feels a deep sense of pride in the program’s growth and the young men he’s had the privilege to coach. “I’ve been amazed by the character of the athletes here. They want to be here, they want to grow, and they want to help each other succeed. There’s no one bigger than the team—it’s all about working together and lifting each other up.”
For Ben Gill, the future of SJU swimming and diving is bright, filled with ambition, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence. “Saint John’s University is an incredible place. The campus, the opportunities, the support—it’s all here. Our swim and dive team is just one part of an amazing college, and I believe we have something special to offer every athlete who joins our program.”