SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A veteran coach and teacher at nearby Jesuit High School, Mike Solander assumed the helm of the St. Francis varsity swimming program, director of athletics Ryan Chisolm announced this week. Solander's coaching duties begin on February 10, the first day of practice of the 2024-25 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section season, although he met with his Troubadour team on Friday for an introductory meeting.

Solander replaces friend and fellow Jesuit coach Brian Nabeta, who guided the Troubadours to one of their most successful spans in school history – two SJS banners plus finishes of sixth, eighth and 13th at the state meet in his three seasons.

"I'm very excited to coach the St. Francis swim team and be a part of the school community," said Solander. "I think my goals are similar [to Nabeta's]: I want to provide an atmosphere where the kids want to come out, participate and compete, and represent the high school to the best of their ability."

A 1992 graduate of Jesuit, Solander returned to his alma mater in 2004 to teach social sciences and coach the Marauder swim program. During his tenure, he has guided the program to eight Sac-Joaquin Section and eight Delta League championships. Last spring, Solander's crew placed fifth at the CIF State Championships – highest among Division II teams and tops from Northern California. He previously coached stints at El Camino (2001) and Rio Americano (2002-03) before his arrival at Jesuit.

The 2014 California Coaches Association Northern California Coach of the Year, Solander also served as the coaching rep to the Delta League, and reprises that role in Jesuit's and St. Francis' first season as members of the Sierra Foothill League.

Solander graduated from Sacramento State in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in government. He added a master's in education teaching from San Francisco in 2009. Solander, who holds a teaching credential in social studies, teaches courses in modern world history and civics at JHS.