Pankil Chander has been named head coach of the Utica University men's wrestling program, becoming just the third head coach in program history and ushering in a new era for the Pioneers.

Chander arrives at Utica after serving as associate head coach at Wilkes University for the past two seasons, where he helped guide one of the nation's top Division III programs. During his time with the Colonels, he played a key role in the development of NCAA finalist Cam Butka, who also earned All-America honors. He also coached Caleb Burkhart and Jaryn Hartranft to 100-win careers, while helping Wilkes produce multiple NCAA qualifiers, an NCAA Region II team trophy, and 12 All-Region selections. The program also secured a team title at the Blue Jay Classic and earned a winning dual-meet record in 2024-25.

“Pankil's passion, commitment to the student-athlete experience, and vision for building a championship culture make him an outstanding fit for Utica University,” said Director of Athletics and Physical Education Kristin St. Hilaire. “I am excited for the future of our wrestling program under his leadership.”

Before returning to Wilkes, his alma mater, Chander served as head coach at Penn College for two seasons, where he engineered significant program growth. He led the Wildcats to their first-ever national top-25 ranking, first NCAA Championships appearance, and first tournament team title. Under his leadership, Penn College also earned its first winning dual-meet record, recorded a program-best GPA, and produced multiple NWCA Scholar All-Americans.

Chander's impact extended beyond competition. He grew the program's roster to its largest in school history, elevated its academic performance to four consecutive semesters above a 3.2 team GPA, and boosted the program's visibility through strategic marketing efforts that added more than 7,000 social media followers. His recruiting efforts were equally impactful, highlighted by a freshman class that produced multiple 30-win wrestlers and helped secure the program's first victory over a nationally ranked opponent.

Prior to Penn College, Chander held coaching positions at Springfield College and Gettysburg College, where he helped develop NCAA qualifiers, regional placewinners, and numerous Scholar All-Americans while contributing to nationally ranked teams.

In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Chander has been active with USA Wrestling, serving on Team Pennsylvania's coaching staff at the 2025 Junior Nationals in Fargo. He is also a USA Wrestling Bronze Certified Coach.

A former standout wrestler at Wilkes, Chander compiled a 91-50 career record and was a tournament champion at the Wilkes Open. He was also a Scholar All-American and a member of Wilkes' 2014 Division III East Region championship team.

Beyond the mat, Chander has remained deeply involved in the wrestling and collegiate athletics community through leadership programs, national committees, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. He currently serves on the NCAA Committee of Access, Opportunity, and Impact, as well as the Division III Pathway to Excellence Grant selection committee.

A native of Cedarhurst, New York, Chander now takes over a Utica program looking to build momentum heading into the 2026-27 season.