Rafael Forti was named to resurrect Union College's swimming program in February of 2005.

In four seasons leading the Bulldog swimmers, Forti has had guided a total of 33 individuals events and 11 relay teams to the NAIA Men's National Championship Meet and 20 individual marks with 11 relay teams for the NAIA Women's National Championship Meet in just three seasons. He has coached a total of 29 Top-15 finishes at the national championship, 15 on the men's side and 14 on the women's side.

Forti is no stranger to the Bulldog swimming program, having been a member of the 1999-00 squad, the last swim team fielded by Union until the sports reinstatement in 2005. He was also a four-year member of the Bulldogs Soccer team, graduating in 2004. The Campinas, Brazil native not only succeeded on the field but also in the classroom earning him such honors as three-time Academic All-Conference, and a member of the 2002 NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete.

Forti graduated Suma Cum Laude and was the 2004 Salutatorian. In 2006, he received his master's for Union in Health and Physical Education and was the Class Marshall for his master's graduating class.

Prior to taking over the swimming program, Forti was the assistant coach for the men's soccer team.