ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Roberts Wesleyan University has hired Thomas Giannettino as head coach of its women's triathlon team. Giannettino served as an assistant coach in 2023, the program's inaugural season.

"We are excited to elevate Coach Giannettino to head coach of our NCAA Division II Women's Triathlon program," Executive Director of Athletics Bob Segave said. "Tom earned so much respect last year as an assistant and was instrumental in getting our program started, along with our former head coach Stephanie Barbero. Tom is an accomplished triathlete himself, a strong leader for the program and an excellent recruiter.  I am excited to continue to watch the program grow."

A graduate of Auburn High School who attended Onondaga Community College, Giannettino has coached Cornell University's Triathlon Club since 2019. He also has been a coach for Bolton Endurance, providing online coaching to athletes, and was himself a paralympic triathlon hopeful for the 2016 Games in Rio.

"I have been through adversity and come out on the other end stronger," said Giannettino, whose career in law enforcement was cut short after being attacked in 2010. "I am a big proponent of promoting mental health and if I can inspire athletes to push and go beyond what they think they're capable of, that's my goal. I have a passion for this sport. This sport saved my life. I was in a pretty bad place."

Giannettino's 14-year career as a New York State Trooper ended prematurely after being attacked while working as an investigator. His injuries were so severe that he has endured three shoulder replacement surgeries. In 2013, he turned to competing and became a world-ranked triathlete.

A 21-year veteran of the United States Air Force, he served 15 years in the New York Air National Guard and six years of active duty. That included being deployed to Saudi Arabia to support Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and being part of Operation Noble Eagle (stateside activation as a reservist in support of 9/11).

He is a USA Triathlon certified Level I coach and Level II Paratriathlon Coach.

Giannettino and his wife of more than 36 years, MaryLou, live in Auburn. They have sons who are in their 30s.