Santiago Aguilar

Santiago Aguilar

A native of Bogota, Colombia, Santiago Aguilar is a seasoned elite swimmer with extensive training experiences that prepare him for this next step into college coaching. As a member of the Colombian National team for five years, Santiago was a multi-event age group national champion. His titles include the 50, 100, and 200 fly; 50,100, and 200 backstroke; the 1500 freestyle; and the 400 IM. In addition, Santiago finished 2nd at the Youth Central American Championships in the 200 fly. While swimming for the Colombian National team, Santiago had the opportunity to travel to the United States to train with elite coaches at the Bolles School in Florida and with the University of Southern California training program. In 2013, Santiago traveled to the US to join the inaugural swim team for Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA, swimming under the leadership of Coach Allen Gilchrest.
 
In 2014, as a freshman, Santiago qualified for the NAIA National Championship meet in the 200 fly. That season, he finished 6th in the nation. In 2015, Emmanuel College transitioned from NAIA to NCAA Division II. Santiago won the 200 fly and finished as runner-up in both the 500 free and 100 backstroke at the Appalachian Swimming Conference championship meet. In 2016, Santiago became the 2-time Appalachian Conference champion in the 200 fly. He swam the 200 fly in 1:50.72, which set a new Appalachian Swimming Conference record, Emmanuel College record, and met the NCAA national consideration cut, although Emmanuel was not eligible for NCAA post-season swimming in that year.
 
Santiago holds a BA in Business Administration with a minor in Information Systems from Emmanuel College and will be completing his MBA at Millikin. For the last two years, Santiago has been a volunteer assistant for the General Secretary of the Colombian Swimming Federation.
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