Courtesy: Princeton Athletics
“The addition of Chris Balbo to our staff is a home run for Princeton,” said Crispino. “Abby and I wanted to find not only a great coach, but a person whose values, drive, determination, and love for the sport matched that of our student-athletes. Chris was the obvious choice. As a swimmer, there was no better competitor or teammate. As a coach, his future is incredibly bright. We can’t wait to welcome Chris Balbo to the PUCSDT family.”
A 2020 graduate of William & Mary, Balbo was a contributor to four Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Championship teams. A three-time CAA Champion in the 400 IM, 500 freestyle and 1650 freestyle, Balbo was a nine-time CAA medalist and a school record holder in the 800 freestyle. He was also holds the freshman record in the 400 IM along with dual meet records in the 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, 1650 freestyle and 400 IM. Additionally, Balbo holds William & Mary pool records in the 400 IM and 1000 freestyle. A US Open qualifier, Balbo was also a US Open Water Nationals qualifier.
Out of the pool, Balbo was named CSCAA Scholar All America Honorable Mention and to the CAA Commissioner Honor Role three times. He was a co-recipient of the Wally Riley Tribe Pride Award for best personifying the ideals of toughness, leadership, work ethic and Tribe pride, a member of the Tribe Social Media and Recruiting Committees, a member and Co-Wellness Chair of the William & Mary Student Athlete Advisory Council, a member of Tribe Allies focusing on the experience of LGBTQ+ athletes and was appointed to the Athletic Policy Advisory Committee.
“It is an honor to be a part of Princeton Men’s Swimming and Diving team, a team with such rich history of both academic and athletic achievement,” said Balbo. “I am excited to begin working with the best and brightest swimmers this sport has to offer. I began my college swimming career with Matt at William & Mary, and I am proud to join a coaching staff with him at the helm. I am eternally grateful to Matt and Abby for this opportunity to make this transition into collegiate coaching to pursue my passion for helping swimmers reach their full potential.”
In the spring of 2022, Balbo began coaching for Meadowbrook Swim Team becoming an assistant coach for all age groups focusing on stroke development in the senior and age group swimmers. Post college, from 2020-2021, he became an age group coach for Machine Aquatics focusing on stroke instruction and endurance.
Balbo completed an M.A. in Psychology with a Concentration in Clinical Psychology from Towson in 2023 and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Kinesiology & Health Sciences from William & Mary in 2020.