Arilson Silva joined Auburn University as Associate Head Coach for Swimming and Diving in April 2025, bringing with him extensive international and collegiate coaching experience. Prior to arriving on the Plains, Silva spent two seasons at Georgia Tech, where he played a key role in elevating the program’s national profile. During his tenure, three Yellowjackets qualified for the NCAA Championships, including Mert Kilavuz, who entered the meet ranked 12th nationally in the 1650 freestyle, along with Uros Zivanovic and Berke Saka. Silva also guided Anna Hadjiloizou to a school record in the women’s 50 freestyle and contributed to multiple relay record-breaking performances by Jillian Ferrari, Vivien Rothwell, Kiah Smith, and Clarissa Sabin.
Internationally, Silva is widely respected for developing elite-level swimmers who have competed in every Olympic Games since 2008. Among them is Auburn legend and world record holder Cesar Cielo, whom Silva coached toward the end of his career. His athletes have earned seven World Championship medals, and he played a pivotal role in historic performances such as Felipe Franca’s 26.89 world record in the 50-meter breaststroke and Andriy Govorov’s still-standing 22.27 world record in the 50-meter butterfly. A native of Brazil, Silva has served on the Brazilian Swimming Technical Council and the Brazilian Academy of Coaches Olympic Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Sportive Techniques from Guarulhos University and has completed advanced studies in Exercise Physiology and Sportive Training in São Paulo.
