Keiser University Director of Athletics Kris Swogger, removed the interim tag from Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dante Calabria on Thursday, naming Calabria the second head coach in program history.
Director of Athletics Kris Swogger said, “Dante has done a tremendous job coaching our team this season, but more importantly he embraces the Keiser Athletic Department student first philosophy and mission statement by teaching habits that lead to success, both on and off the court.”
Calabria, working under the interim tag since the start of the season, has led the Seahawks to a 14-6 overall record and 9-2 mark in Sun Conference play. Keiser is currently ranked No. 19 in the NAIA after starting the season receiving votes, are riding a season-best, seven-game winning streak.
Calabria said, “I would like to thank the administration and department of athletics for giving me this opportunity to become the head basketball coach at Keiser University. Thank you to the current basketball staff and our student-athletes who have worked extremely hard this season both in the classroom and on the court. I am very excited about the future of the basketball program and officially joining the Keiser University family.”
Prior to the interim head coach position, Calabria served as an assistant coach during the 2016 season, helping the Seahawks to a Sun Conference Regular Season Championship and an appearance in the Elite Eight.
Before arriving at Keiser, Calabria was the head coach at Cus Jonico Taranto of the Italian Basketball League and Montverde Academy Prep. Calabria also served as an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Calabria enjoyed a four-year career with the University of North Carolina playing under Dean Smith. During his time, he was a member of the 1993 NCAA National Championship team. Calabria was also a part of two Final Four teams (1993 and 1995) and competed in three Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Championship games, winning the title in 1994. As a senior, he earned Third-Team All-ACC honors.
After graduation, Calabria spent 16 years as a professional basketball player in Italy, Spain, Greece, and France. He was also a member of the Italian National team.
Calabria earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from UNC.
