PENSACOLA, Fla. – UWF named Chris Sykes as the new head coach of the women's swim and dive team after the retirement of former head coach Phil Kraus.
 
"I am thrilled to welcome Chris Sykes as our new women's swim and dive head coach," said Associate Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Dave Scott. "We look forward to seeing where he takes this program as we go into the first year as a Division I institution. We are excited about the upcoming season."
 
Sykes arrives in Pensacola from Illinois College after 16 seasons. He served as assistant coach for one season (2012-13) and became head coach after that.
 
"I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the next head coach of Argo Swimming and Diving," said Coach Sykes. "I would like to sincerely thank Director Dave Scott, Assistant Director Dakota Lee, Deputy Director Tony Nguyen, and Associate Director Meghan Barter for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to lead this exceptional program. I am truly grateful for their confidence and support."
 
Since starting as head coach, Sykes has led his teams to many Midwest Conference awards, Elite 20 award recipients, and has broken many school records.
 
In the 2025-26 season, he led the men's team to break four school records, won every single meet, and continued their dual meet winning streak that currently stands at 19-0.
 
During the 2012-13 season, the IC women's swim and dive team had one swimmer earn an NCAA B cut, making her the first female in school history to have a qualifying time for nationals.
 
"I look forward to working alongside Dive Coach Barb and to building strong relationships with our student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and the entire Argo community. This is an exciting new chapter, and I am honored to be part of it. I can't wait to get to work, continue the tradition of excellence, and help our student-athletes reach their goals both in and out of the pool. Go Argos!"
 
Before IC, Sykes served as an assistant coach of the Decatur Swim Club, a volunteer coach at Area 10 Special Olympics, and an assistant coach of the Dundee Dolphins.
 
Sykes earned his bachelor's degree from Millikin University in 2011. He was a student-athlete and holds the eighth-fastest time in the 50 freestyle.