Jim Zotz Announces Retirement After 46 Years At Brandeis University

Courtesy: Brandeis Athletics

Following one of the longest tenures at Brandeis University, former swimming and diving coach Jim Zotz has announced his retirement effective May 30, 2025. Coach Zotz has worked on campus since 1978 and has served in a variety of administrative capacities over the past 15 years, in addition to his 32 years as a full-time coach.

During his time leading the swimming and diving program, Coach Zotz amassed 275 dual meet wins, was a two time UAA and New England Coach of the Year and his teams were named CSCAA All-Academic 44 times during his tenure. He coached 20 All-Americans, 44 Academic All-Americans, 71 NCAA Division III National Championship Qualifiers and 118 All New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association Championship performers.

Brandeis Swim Alum Matt Golderg ’94, himself a swim coach, explained the impact that Coach Zotz had on him during his time on campus and beyond. “Coach Zotz was one of the most influential people in my life at Brandeis. As a freshman student-athlete on BUSDT, he saved my swimming career as I had wanted to quit once the academic demands at Brandeis began to overwhelm me. Instead of allowing me to quit, he suggested that I take a week off, catch up on my studies, and revisit the idea later. This act of grace gave me the space I needed to consider what was important to me and demonstrated his care for me as a person beyond athletics. I still use some of the same training sets I learned in my time there. But more importantly, I try to embody the empathy I learned from him as I try to teach my athletes the benefits of working hard and having fun.”

Coach Zotz was inducted into the Brandeis Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 and in 2020 the Jim Zotz Wall of Recognition was unveiled at the Linsey Pool. Coach Zotz came to Brandeis after graduating from Niagara and earning a Master’s Degree from Springfield College. He was originally hired in 1978 as the swim coach, aquatics director, women’s cross country coach, women’s track coach and physical education instructor.

“Brandeis University is an amazing place because of people like Jim Zotz. Jim is a Hall of Fame coach and a world-class human. He poured his heart and soul into this university for over 45 years, most notably as the head swimming and diving coach for 32 years,” commented Director of Athletics Jessica Chapin ’10. “Throughout his tenure, Jim positively influenced countless student-athletes, colleagues, and the broader Brandeis community with his unwavering dedication and mentorship. Jim always led with his guiding pillars of building a community, fostering an environment for support and growth, and finding a way to stay positive.  We’re all grateful for the way he represented Brandeis and college athletics.”

“There is no doubt that my 46 years at Brandeis University have instilled in me a strong sense of commitment and loyalty to the entire University community,” said Coach Zotz. “The values that guide my daily life have been shaped by my time at Brandeis as a member of the university family. I want to thank all of the students and student-athletes I have interacted with for their trust and confidence in me as a teacher, coach and mentor.”

In addition to his success on the pool deck, Coach Zotz served as the Acting Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director, Strength and Conditioning Coach and Health and Wellness Instructor during his tenure. The University will acknowledge Coach Zotz during Homecoming Weekend 2025. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.