Minnesota State University - Mankato Athletics

Sophie Kannmacher joined the Maverick coaching staff in the fall of 2011. In her initial two seasons, she served as a graduate assistant coach while completing her Master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology (2011-13). Kannmacher has a lot of Maverick pride, as she was also a former Maverick swimmer (2007-2011) where she did her undergraduate degree in Psychology. She captained the team in the 2010-2011 season, earning team honors as the most dedicated and most inspirational team member. After serving as the assistant coach for nine seasons, Kannmacher was named the associate head coach in the summer of 2023.

In her 14 seasons at Minnesota State, Kannmacher has assisted Head Coach Nathan Owens and the Mavericks to multiple top finishes in the NSISC and NSIC conferences including three NSIC Championships (2018, 2021 & 2022). She also helped coach the Mavericks to numerous NCAA Division II Championship meets, where the team has consistently placed top-25 among the best in the country. Kannmacher assisted the Mavericks to their highest NCAA DII Championship finish (13th) in 2016-17 season.

In addition to coaching, Kannmacher oversees the Learn to Swim with the Mavericks youth swimming lesson program. This year-round program enrolls over 700 local children annually.

During her first 14 seasons at Minnesota State as Assistant Swim/Dive Coach
17 - Individual NCAA All-Americans
18 - NCAA All-American Relays
47 - Conference Champions (NSIC & NSISC)
4 - NSIC Elite 18 Award Winners
2 - NSIC Swimmers of the Year

Kannmacher, a native of St. Cloud, Minn & Omaha, NE, is married to Elijah Kannmacher. Together they have two daughters, Eleanor and Charlotte, who are the cutest little Mavericks fans!